MUTUAL Definition & Meaning

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mutual

[myoo-choo-uhl]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

possessed, experienced, performed, etc., by each of two or more with respect to the other; reciprocal.
to have mutual respect.
having the same relation each toward the other.
to be mutual enemies.
of or relating to each of two or more; held in common; shared.
mutual interests.
having or pertaining to a form of corporate organization in which there are no stockholders, and in which profits, losses, expenses, etc., are shared by members in proportion to the business each transacts with the company.
a mutual company.

noun

Informal.��a mutual fund.

mutual

/ ˈmjuːtʃʊəl, ˌmjuːtjʊˈælɪtɪ /

adjective

experienced or expressed by each of two or more people or groups about the other; reciprocal
mutual distrust
common to or shared by both or all of two or more parties
a mutual friend
mutual interests
denoting an insurance company, etc, in which the policyholders share the profits and expenses and there are no shareholders

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Usage

The use of mutual to mean common to or shared by two or more parties was formerly considered incorrect, but is now acceptable. Tautologous use of mutual should be avoided: cooperation (not mutual cooperation ) between the two countries

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

mutually adverb
nonmutual adjective
quasi-mutual adjective
transmutual adjective
unmutual adjective
ˈ��ܳٳܲ�� adverb
mutuality noun

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of mutual¹

First recorded in 1470–80; from Middle French mutuel, from Latin ��ū�ٳ�(�ܲ�) “mutual, reciprocal” (equivalent to ��ū��(��) “to change”; mutate ) + -uus adjective suffix) + Middle French -el (from Latin -�� ) -al ¹

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of mutual¹

C15: from Old French mutuel, from Latin ��ū�ٳܳܲ� reciprocal (originally: borrowed); related to ��ū�� to change

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Synonym Study

Mutual, reciprocal agree in the idea of an exchange or balance between two or more persons or groups. Mutual indicates an exchange of a feeling, obligation, etc., between two or more people, or an interchange of some kind between persons or things: mutual esteem; in mutual agreement. Reciprocal indicates a relation in which one act, thing, feeling, etc., balances or is given in return for another: reciprocal promises or favors.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Matt Navarra, a social media consultant, tells the BBC fans expect to see social signals of closeness such as mutual follows, birthday posts and supportive comments.

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If it did, we would end up with more deliberative voters, more mutual respect, less extreme polarization.

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This feature resonates in Hawaii, which has a tradition of mutual support called “kokua.”

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The ranks of law enforcement have also been boosted by mutual aid from surrounding police agencies, increasing their effectiveness, officials say.

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Police Scotland has agreed to send officers, after police in Northern Ireland requested extra support under mutual aid arrangements.

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Related 51�Թ�s

bilateral��
collective��
reciprocal��

Muttra mutual admiration society

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