reciprocation
|re-cip-ro-ca-tion|
/rɪˌsɪprəˈkeɪʃən/
mutual return / return in kind
Etymology
'reciprocation' originates from French, specifically the word 'réciprocation', where 'réciproque' meant 'mutual' or 'alternating'.
'reciprocation' passed into English via French from Medieval Latin 'reciprocatio', which in turn comes from Latin 'reciprocus' meaning 'returning the same way'.
Initially it referred to 'returning' or 'alternating'; over time it evolved to mean 'return in kind' or more broadly 'mutual exchange'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of returning a favor, gesture, or action in kind; giving back what one has received.
She expected reciprocation after helping him with the project.
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Noun 2
mutual exchange of actions, feelings, or privileges between two or more parties; reciprocity.
Healthy relationships depend on reciprocation of trust and support.
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Noun 3
in some contexts, an act of retaliation or returning like for like (e.g., legal or diplomatic reciprocation).
The country's reciprocation of sanctions escalated tensions.
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Last updated: 2025/10/01 02:45