reciprocity

What it means

1. countableuncountableThe characteristic of being reciprocal, e.g. of a relationship between people.

   In a friendship, reciprocity occurs where the contribution of each party meets the expectations of the other party.

   1 more example

   There might be benefit on one side, and obligation on the other; but their reciprocity of affection, their mutual exchange of small kindnesses—those strongest rivets of common attachment—were no more.

   1834, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], Francesca Carrara. […], volume I, London: Richard Bentley, […], (successor to Henry Colburn), →OCLC, pages 111–112

2. countableuncountableA reciprocal relationship.

   Near-synonym: reciprocation

   Synonyms: reciprocation

3. countableuncountableA relation of mutual dependence or action or influence.

In a sentence

In a friendship, reciprocity occurs where the contribution of each party meets the expectations of the other party.

Where it comes from

1. Frenchréciprocité
2. Englishreciprocity

From French réciprocité.