mutual

American  

[myoo-choo-uhl] / ˈmju 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

Synonym Usage

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

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

See Examples For:

mutual

"I welcomed the opportunity to begin a new chapter in the relationship between our respective governments, based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to delivering for the people we serve," he said.

From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026

Last year it signed a mutual defense pact with nuclear-armed Pakistan.

From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026

He entered Barker’s orbit in 2024 when the director’s comedy team, That’s a Bad Idea, was looking for original music and a mutual friend hit up a producer Burwell collaborated with.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

Thyme and honey belong to a mutual admiration society, as do berries and buttermilk; the woodiness of the herb plays beautifully against tangy yogurt, while orange zest somehow charms the entire table.

From Salon ● Jul. 21, 2026

"The mutual acquaintance from school that you were trying to remember? She didn't have a birthmark on her chin."

From "Girl in the Blue Coat" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

• bilateral
• collective
• reciprocal