mutual

American  

[myoo-choo-uhl] / ˈmyu tʃu əl /

adjective

1. possessed, experienced, performed, etc., by each of two or more with respect to the other; reciprocal.

   to have mutual respect.

2. having the same relation each toward the other.

   to be mutual enemies.

3. of or relating to each of two or more; held in common; shared.

   mutual interests.

4. 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.

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noun

1. Informal. a mutual fund.

mutual British  

/ ˈmjuːtʃʊəl, ˌmjuːtjʊˈælɪtɪ /

adjective

1. experienced or expressed by each of two or more people or groups about the other; reciprocal

   mutual distrust

2. common to or shared by both or all of two or more parties

   a mutual friend

   mutual interests

3. 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

Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

• mutuality
  noun
• mutually
  adverb
• nonmutual
  adjective
• quasi-mutual
  adjective
• transmutual
  adjective
• unmutual
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of mutual

First recorded in 1470–80; from Middle French mutuel, from Latin mūtu(us) “mutual, reciprocal” (equivalent to mūt(āre) “to change”; see mutate) + -uus adjective suffix) + Middle French -el (from Latin -ālis ) -al ¹

Explanation

If the feeling is mutual, both of you feel the same the way, like a mutual admiration society. Mutual means shared. In finance it is used to describe trusts or funds that pool the money of many investors to buy securities. Mutual is a word to describe something two people or groups share. Nations will engage in a policy of mutual support; co-workers make a mutual effort; two businesses reach a mutual understanding. It's a good thing, being mutual. Mutual consent means you and your partner agree to do something together, be it composting your refuse in the backyard or dressing in furry mascot costumes for kicks. If something is mutual, it's okay with everyone involved.

Example Sentences

Paraguay and Taiwan were to sign agreements on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, cooperation in cybersecurity, as well as an AI and computing infrastructure investment project.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

Micallef, 24, says there was a "mutual benefit" for both EsDeeKid, whose music got a boost from all the attention, and for Chalamet, who was promoting his film Marty Supreme at the time.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Kissinger believed AI was an area where China and the U.S. might have common interests or at least be able to reach mutual understandings in key areas, Hormats said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

If you own an old-fashioned mutual fund and another owner sells then the fund might have to realize capital gains to raise cash.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

In terms of mutual respect and admiration, their six children had been nothing more than a failed experiment.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Related Words

• bilateral
• collective
• reciprocal