reciprocity

noun

rec·​i·​proc·​i·​ty ˌre-sə-ˈprä-s(ə-)tē 

plural reciprocities

1

: the quality or state of being reciprocal : mutual dependence, action, or influence

2

: a mutual exchange of privileges

specifically : a recognition by one of two countries or institutions of the validity of licenses or privileges granted by the other

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between reciprocity and endorsement?

Each of these words has multiple meanings, some of which are similar, and others of which are not. Reciprocity may mean "a mutual exchange of privileges" and is often applied to things such as professional certification (neighboring states may have a reciprocal agreement so that certification a worker needs is applicable in each). Endorsement may mean "sanction, approval" or simply refer to "the act or process of endorsing."

Can reciprocity be mutual?

Reciprocal and mutual share a good deal of meaning; the former may be defined as "shared, felt, or shown by both sides," and the latter as "shared in common." Based on this semantic overlap some usage guides caution against using any form of the two words (mutually reciprocal, or mutual reciprocity) together, on the grounds that it is redundant.

Is reciprocity a noun or verb?

Reciprocity is a noun. The verb form of the word is reciprocate; the adjective is reciprocal, and the adverb is reciprocally.

Examples of reciprocity in a Sentence

Grownups know that little things matter … and that relationships are based on respect and reciprocity. —Margaret Carlson, Time, 4 June 2001

Introduced in the McKinley Tariff of 1890, reciprocity gave the president authority to remove items from the free list if their countries of origin placed unreasonable tariffs on American goods. —Mary Beth Norton et al., A People and a Nation, 1988

Indeed when they talked on an indifferent subject, as now, there was ever a second silent conversation passing between their emotions, so perfect was the reciprocity between them. —Thomas Hardy, Jude the Obscure, 1895

The proposal calls for reciprocity in trade relations.

Recent Examples on the Web

After all, this is the classic reciprocity syndrome. —Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2024

States are catching on, and more than a dozen have passed universal reciprocity laws since 2019. —Jon Hartley, National Review, 26 Oct. 2023

Underlying the structural changes was an ideological shift toward reciprocity, an ideal of sharing and balance that undergirded economics, politics, and religion across much of the continent. —Kathleen Duval, The Atlantic, 2 Apr. 2024

Like point one of our two-part ABCT, the doctrine is both epistemological (a form of knowledge) and ethical (practical wisdom for everyday human interaction), warranting rational objectivity and moral reciprocity. —M. D. Aeschliman, National Review, 25 Dec. 2023

Moreover, fostering a culture of reciprocity and mutual support within your network can create a ripple effect of positive energy and collaboration. —Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2024

The values will be less about power and control and more about co-creating, partnership and reciprocity. —Christine Grimm, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

But today’s extreme trust deficit is leading to alternative approaches – ones that stress top-level communications, transparent competition, and reciprocity – as ways to promote predictability, experts say. —Ann Scott Tyson, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Feb. 2024

Quadratic reciprocity stems from a relatively straightforward question. —Quanta Magazine, 1 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

see reciprocal entry 1

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

reciprocity

noun

rec·​i·​proc·​i·​ty ˌres-ə-ˈpräs-ət-ē 

plural reciprocities

1

: shared dependence, cooperation, or exchange between persons, groups, or states

2

: an exchange of commercial benefits between countries

Legal Definition

reciprocity

noun

rec·​i·​proc·​i·​ty ˌre-sə-ˈprä-sə-tē 

plural reciprocities

1

: the quality or state of being reciprocal

2

: the exchange, recognition, or enforcement of licenses, privileges, or obligations between states of the U.S. or between nations