mutual

[myoo-choo-uhl]

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.

noun

1. Informal.,  a mutual fund.

mutual

/ 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

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of mutual¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of mutual¹

C15: from Old French mutuel, from Latin mūtuus reciprocal (originally: borrowed); related to mūtāre to change

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.

Example Sentences

But it failed to get the re-introduction of the US visa waiver system, abolished in 2022, which harms mutual trade.

Read more on BBC

“We are keen on a relationship based on mutual respect, respect for Iraqi sovereignty and shared interests,” he said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

We were invited to Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s jazz night by our mutual friends, Rich and Nicole.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Six Flags said Friday, “We have been in active conversations with this group regarding our mutual goal of enhancing shareholder value.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Large mutual funds have long included a small slice of similar late-stage startups in their portfolios.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bilateral 
• collective 
• reciprocal