reciprocity
Meaning: The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit; the principle that favours, concessions, or obligations should be returned in kind.
Reciprocity is a foundational concept in diplomacy, trade, and social psychology. In international relations, it underpins trade agreements: tariff reductions are offered on condition of equivalent reductions by the other party. In social science, reciprocity explains why people feel obliged to return favours. The word implies balance and fairness, and is common in formal and academic registers.
Examples
- The trade agreement was founded on the principle of reciprocity, with both sides reducing tariffs equally. 该贸易协定建立在互惠原则之上,双方同等降低关税。El acuerdo comercial se fundaba en el principio de reciprocidad, con ambas partes reduciendo aranceles por igual.その貿易協定は互恵の原則に基づき、双方が同等に関税を引き下げた。그 무역 협정은 호혜의 원칙에 기반하여 양측이 동등하게 관세를 인하했다.
- Social psychologists have long studied the norm of reciprocity and its influence on human behaviour. 社会心理学家长期以来一直在研究互惠规范及其对人类行为的影响。Los psicólogos sociales han estudiado durante mucho tiempo la norma de reciprocidad y su influencia en el comportamiento humano.社会心理学者たちは互恵性の規範とそれが人間行動に及ぼす影響を長年研究してきた。사회심리학자들은 호혜성의 규범과 그것이 인간 행동에 미치는 영향을 오랫동안 연구해 왔다.
- The university's exchange programme operates on a basis of strict reciprocity, with equal numbers travelling in each direction. 大学的交换项目按照严格的互惠原则运作,双向交流的人数相等。El programa de intercambio de la universidad funciona sobre una base de estricta reciprocidad, con un número igual de participantes en cada dirección.その大学の交換プログラムは厳格な互恵の原則に基づいて運営されており、双方向の参加者数は均等である。그 대학의 교환 프로그램은 엄격한 호혜의 원칙에 따라 운영되며, 양방향 참가자 수가 균등하다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: diplomatic, academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From French réciprocité, from Latin reciprocus (returning the same way, alternating). Entered English in the mid-18th century, initially in diplomatic and commercial contexts.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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