reciprocity

American  

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

noun

reciprocities plural

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.

---

reciprocity British  

/ ˌrɛsɪˈprɒsɪtɪ /

noun

1. reciprocal action or relation

2. a mutual exchange of commercial or other privileges

---

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

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• reciprocities
  plural

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

See Examples For:

reciprocity reciprocities

This long established principle, known as reciprocity, has made it difficult for scientists to independently control how thermal energy enters and leaves a material.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 7, 2026

In interdependence, we’re giving from our emotional overflow, and the love and care we receive in that reciprocity, for caring for the people in our lives, balances out.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 15, 2026

But too often when thinking of reciprocity, we think of like for like, or divvying up expenses.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 16, 2026

"The WTO needs to change if it intends to have any relevance as the international trading system transitions to focus on reciprocity and balance," US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Monday.

From Barron's ● Mar. 26, 2026

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

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

These kinds of resonances and reciprocities can allow a story to jump between elements without the need for novelistic bridge passages.

From The Guardian ● Sep. 24, 2014

We may live in a world of technological prowess, but we are still creatures guided by ancient reciprocities.

From Salon ● Dec. 15, 2012

The great American metaphysician Chuck Jones discerned some years ago that the universe operates in sequences of violent Newtonian reciprocities.

From Time Magazine Archive

Both ponder over possible reciprocities in silence, but discover nothing, and seem to give up the quest by mutual consent.

From Somehow Good by De Morgan, William Frend

Such reciprocities, although strictly in accordance with "free-trade," invariably led to very warm discussions, that lasted through the remainder of the evening.

From Confessions Of Con Cregan An Irish Gil Blas by Lever, Charles James