reciprocity

American  

[res-uh-pros-i-tee] / ˌrɛs əˈprɒs ɪ ti /

noun

1. a reciprocal state or relation.

2. reciprocation; mutual exchange.

3. the relation or policy in commercial dealings between countries by which corresponding advantages or privileges are granted by each country to the citizens of the other.

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reciprocity British  

/ ˌrɛsɪˈprɒsɪtɪ /

noun

1. reciprocal action or relation

2. a mutual exchange of commercial or other privileges

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Usage

What does reciprocity mean? Reciprocity is a relation or state in which two people or groups perform mutual or corresponding actions based on the actions of the other. The related verb reciprocate means to do something in response to an action in a way that corresponds or is somehow equivalent to that action. Such actions or relations can be described as reciprocal. The word reciprocation refers to an act of reciprocating—or a specific instance of it—and can be used as a synonym for reciprocity in some cases. Reciprocity often refers to a mutual exchange. Between people, this can be an exchange of things like effort or affection. But the word is especially used to refer to a reciprocal relationship between two countries involving mutual policies or aid. Two countries that engage in reciprocity may extend certain advantages or privileges to each other’s citizens, or may require certain obligations required by the other country, such as document fees. Example: Most diplomatic relations are based on reciprocity.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonreciprocity
  noun

Etymology

Origin of reciprocity

First recorded in 1760–70; from Latin reciproc(us) ( see reciprocal) + -ity

Explanation

When two or more people or nations have equal exchanges of goods or services, they are enjoying reciprocity, a situation where each enjoys an equal benefit from the relationship. The background of the word reciprocity can be traced to the Latin reciprocus which means, logically enough, "moving back and forth." This is an appropriate meaning for a word that describes a system that moves goods and favors back and forth between participants, sort of a business version of the Golden Rule or, in a different light, the expression "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours."

Example Sentences

US and Chinese officials like to talk about the principle of "reciprocity" in their relationship, particularly when it comes to confidence building measures.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Friends should redefine reciprocity beyond ‘like for like,’ respect financial boundaries, and be sensitive to each other’s money-related ‘sore spots’.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

“The United States continues to engage in productive negotiations with trade partners to address trade reciprocity and national security concerns with respect to imports of wood products,” read the New Year’s Eve proclamation.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 1, 2026

And the move could just hold up: “There is some precedent in states giving reciprocity to, e.g, lawyers licensed in some other states, but not others,” Somin wrote.

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2025

With him came escalating demands for land and service—the veneer of reciprocity was fading.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann