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

… says his study is the first to look at reciprocity between humans and dogs.

—Shi En Kim

… there was ever a second silent conversation passing between their emotions, so perfect was the reciprocity between them.

—Thomas Hardy

2

: a mutual exchange of privileges

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

Some areas with a lot of commuters who cross state lines have reciprocity agreements.

—Michelle Singletary

There are about 37 states that grant reciprocity, though the rules are different in each one.

—Paul Bedard

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

There is no reciprocity between FERS and CalPERS, CalHR noted. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025

After all, the reciprocity treaty between the nations — in place from 1854 to 1865 — had produced an economic boom. —Dónal Gill, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025

But Saturn pushes you to create harmony that’s rooted in healthy reciprocity, as opposed to compromise that silences your needs. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025

Many people do not entertain these days, and those who do are getting fed up with the lack of reciprocity. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for reciprocity

• animosity
• curiosity
• generosity
• grandiosity
• nebulosity
• tortuosity
• tuberosity
• virtuosity
• atrocity
• ferocity
• monstrosity
• pomposity

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