reciprocity

US/ˌrɛsəˈprɑsəti/

nounC1Rare in speech; mostly a word you read · #13,118 of 15,258leans written

Reciprocity is the practice of exchanging things for mutual benefit. Trade reciprocity, on a basis of reciprocity, expect reciprocity.

In diplomacy it is the working principle behind almost everything, since visa rules and expulsions are matched move for move. In psychology it names the strong human impulse to return a favour, which is what every free sample relies on.

Definitions of reciprocity

1nounreciprocityThe practice of exchanging things for mutual benefit.C1
“Friendship works on reciprocity: if I help you move house, you help me.”

reciprocity is an exchange.

Where it comes from

French reciprocite comes from Latin reciprocus, moving back and forth.

French
réciprocité
English, today
reciprocity

From French réciprocité.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA

Practise this word

reciprocity in the wild

In 1987, Trivers presented at a symposium on reciprocity, noting that he initially titled his article "The Evolution of Delayed Return Altruism," but reviewer W.
Reciprocal altruism
The principle of reciprocity also governs agreements on extradition.
Reciprocity (international relations)
Hence, some forms of reciprocity can establish a hierarchy if the debt is not repaid.
Reciprocity (cultural anthropology)
As a social construct, reciprocity means that in response to friendly actions, people are generally nicer and more cooperative.
Reciprocity (social psychology)
Under traffic violations reciprocity agreements, non-resident drivers are treated like residents when they are stopped for a traffic offense that occurs in another jurisdiction.
Traffic violations reciprocity

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From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. These sentences were written by other people about their own subjects; they are here to show the word at work, not as anybody’s opinion.

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