reciprocation
UK[rɪˌsɪprəˈkeɪʃn]US[rɪˌsɪprəˈkeɪʃn]
n
The act of giving, doing, or feeling something in return for something similar received.
n
The process of moving backwards and forwards alternately.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
pro
cation
re
again
pro
forward
cation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'reciprocation' is built on the Latin verb 'reciprocare', meaning 'to move back and forth'. This verb itself is formed from the combination of the prefix 're-' (back) and 'pro-' (forward), suggesting a fundamental sense of alternating motion. The core concept evolved from the physical idea of a back-and-forth movement, like a piston or a tide, to the more abstract social concept of a mutual exchange of actions or feelings. Thus, the modern meaning of a responsive, give-and-take action logically extends from this ancient sense of alternating direction.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + pro (forward) + cation (noun suffix)
- re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
- pro: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "forward" or "in front of".
- cation: Latin origin (via French), a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process.
Examples
Their relationship was based on mutual trust and reciprocation.
The reciprocation of the engine's pistons drives the vehicle.
She helped him expecting no reciprocation, but he returned the favor anyway.