reciprocation

American  

[ri-sip-ruh-key-shuhn] / rɪˌsɪp rəˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. an act or instance of reciprocating.

2. a returning, usually for something given.

3. a mutual giving and receiving.

4. the state of being reciprocal or corresponding.

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Usage

What does reciprocation mean? Reciprocation is the act of reciprocating—doing something in response to an action in a way that corresponds or is somehow equivalent to that action. Reciprocation can also refer to a specific instance of doing this, as in This gift is reciprocation for all your support. A much more informal way of saying this is returning the favor. Reciprocation is often positive. For example, when you are shown affection by a loved one, you can reciprocate (or show reciprocation) by showing affection back. When someone does you a favor, you can reciprocate by doing something nice for them. However, reciprocation can also be negative. For example, if someone insults you, your reciprocation may take the form of insulting them back or doing something else to get back at them. Actions or relationships involving reciprocation can be described as reciprocal. The related word reciprocity often refers to a reciprocal state or relation, or to the mutual exchange of things. Reciprocation can be used as a synonym for these senses of reciprocity. Example: I thought my neighbors’ help with my garden deserved reciprocation, so I made dinner for them.

Etymology

Origin of reciprocation

First recorded in 1520–30, reciprocation is from the Latin word reciprocātiōn- (stem of reciprocātiō ). See reciprocate, -ion

Example Sentences

First, the Diurnal Reciprocation; whereby twice in somewhat more than 24. hours, we have a Floud and an Ebbe; or a High-water and Low-water.

From Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society - Vol 1 - 1666 Giving some Accompt of the present Undertakings, Studies, and Labours of the Ingenious in many considerable parts of the World by Oldenburg, Henry

Antipathy, another noxious weed, in its early stages often resembles Reciprocation, the very sweetest of all the early spring flowers.

From Cupid's Almanac and Guide to Hearticulture for This Year and Next by Clay, John Cecil

Reciprocation of question and answer, variety of topics, shifting of topics, are points not sufficiently cultivated.

From Miscellaneous Essays by De Quincey, Thomas

Happiness constitutional; Pain not necessary; Object of all Education; Reciprocation existing between Body and Mind; Health defined; Sickness—not providential.

From How To Behave: A Pocket Manual Of Republican Etiquette, And Guide To Correct Personal Habits Embracing An Exposition Of The Principles Of Good Manners; Useful Hints On The Care Of The Person, Eating, Drinking, Exercise, Habits, Dress, Self-Culture, And Behavior At Home; The Etiquette Of Salutations, Introductions, Receptions, Visits, Dinners, Evening Parties, Conversation, Letters, Presents, Weddings, Funerals, The Street, The Church, Places Of Amusement, Traveling, Etc., With Illustrative Anecdotes, a Chapter on Love and Courtship, and Rules of Order for Debating Societies by Wells, Samuel R. (Samuel Roberts)

Even the Seeds of these two plants are so alike that one sometimes sows Antipathy when he thinks he is sowing Reciprocation.

From Cupid's Almanac and Guide to Hearticulture for This Year and Next by Clay, John Cecil