reciprocal dependence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reciprocal dependence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mutual reliance between two or more parties or entities. Example: "In the ecosystem, plants and animals exhibit reciprocal dependence, as each relies on the other for survival."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The child is conceived without love and the adult characters have little affection for each other, only a deep tolerance, a charity forged by relentless proximity and reciprocal dependence.

The Guardian - Books

The relation between Form and particulars is not one of reciprocal dependence.

SEP

Moreover, our best ways of conceiving and asserting this necessary lack of reciprocal dependence should be built into the metaphors we choose.

SEP

From a mathematical standpoint, the snowball effect, and therefore the reciprocal dependence between headways and dwell times, results in a fixed-point problem formulation.

Urban Rail Transit

But organisms are unlike artifacts in that they are not produced or maintained by an external cause, but instead have the self-producing and self-maintaining character that is revealed in the kinds of vital properties (reproduction of young, capacity to nourish themselves, reciprocal dependence of parts, capacity for self-repair) which Kant illustrates with the example of the tree.

SEP

Each link in a (highlighted black links) actually embeds the relative dependence of a given plant (e.g., palmito Euterpe edulis) on the dispersal service of the frugivore species (e.g., the Jacutinga Aburria jacutinga or the Channel-billed toucan Rhamphastos vitellinus; dark arrow) and the reciprocal dependence of the frugivore on the fruit food resource provided by the plant (light arrow).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Second, the wireframe of interactions among species is built on asymmetric and weak reciprocal dependences (Jordano 1987; Bascompte et al. 2006).

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Nishida's inverse correlation is perhaps comparable to some theological notions of non-reciprocal dependence, where for example it is said that God is my being yet I am not God's being.

SEP

The postdoc and the institution/lab have a reciprocal relationship of support and mutual dependence that I would argue is analogous to an employer-employee relationship rather than a mentor-trainee association.

Science Magazine

The two distinct sets of species (animals and plants) are linked through coevolved interactions of mutual dependence (Fig. 1b) that depict the reciprocal consequences of their interaction.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

"There is mutual dependence".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reciprocal dependence", ensure that the context clearly illustrates how both parties benefit or are reliant on each other. Avoid using it when the relationship is one-sided or only one party is dependent.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "reciprocal dependence" when describing a situation where one entity is primarily dependent on the other without a clear return dependence. Always confirm that both entities involved exhibit a clear, mutual reliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reciprocal dependence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a specific type of relationship characterized by mutual reliance, often seen in scientific and academic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reciprocal dependence" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, denoting a mutual relationship of reliance between two or more entities. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in scientific and academic contexts, the phrase serves to articulate complex interdependencies. While alternatives like "mutual interdependence" and "mutual reliance" exist, "reciprocal dependence" is particularly effective in conveying the active exchange inherent in such relationships. When employing the phrase, ensure that the relationship is genuinely bidirectional and that both parties exhibit a clear reliance on one another. Understanding these subtleties will enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutual interdependence

Emphasizes the reliance of each party on the other, creating a very close and strong relationship.

intermutual reliance

Highlights the act of relying on each other reciprocally.

interconnected reliance

Focuses on how the parties are connected and how their reliance is thus a characteristic of this connection.

mutual reliance

A more direct and concise alternative, highlighting the shared reliance.

interdependence

More generic term that refers to mutual dependence but can apply to more than 2 entities.

symbiotic relationship

Suggests a relationship where both entities benefit, similar to mutual dependence in a biological context.

interrelated dependence

Describes a dependence that arises from being related or connected.

codependence

Implies an excessive emotional or psychological reliance on each other.

give-and-take

Emphasizes the exchange and mutual adjustment in the relationship, hinting at dependence.

mutual give-and-take

More generic term that refers to mutual dependence but can apply to more than 2 entities.

FAQs

What does "reciprocal dependence" mean?

"Reciprocal dependence" refers to a relationship where two or more entities rely on each other, with each providing something the other needs. It signifies a mutual reliance rather than a one-sided one.

How do I use "reciprocal dependence" in a sentence?

You can use "reciprocal dependence" to describe relationships in various contexts. For example: "The plant and the pollinator have a relationship of "reciprocal dependence"" or "The success of the project hinges on the "reciprocal dependence" of team members."

What are some alternatives to "reciprocal dependence"?

Alternatives include phrases like "mutual interdependence", "mutual reliance", or "symbiotic relationship", depending on the specific context and the nature of the relationship you're describing.

Is "reciprocal dependence" the same as "mutual dependence"?

While very similar, "reciprocal dependence" emphasizes the give-and-take aspect of the relationship, highlighting how each entity provides something the other needs, reinforcing their mutual reliance.