Definition of reciprocity

71ON-cjMY0L._SY355_Merriam Webster dictionary

reciprocity

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

Simple Definition of reciprocity

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  • : a situation or relationship in which two people or groups agree to do something similar for each other, to allow each other to have the same rights, etc. : a reciprocal arrangement or relationshi

Full Definition of reciprocity

plural rec·i·proc·i·ties

  1. 1:  the quality or state of being reciprocal :  mutual dependence, action, or influence

  2. 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

Examples of reciprocity

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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. The proposal calls for reciprocity in trade relations.

Origin of reciprocity

(see 1reciprocal)
First Known Use: 1766