mutual
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for mutual, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Felt or done equally by both sides; shared between two or more people.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use mutual
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed via Middle French from Latin mutuus, meaning "reciprocal" or "borrowed" — it displaced an older native English word for the same idea.
Full origin of mutual →Frequently asked questions
What does “mutual” mean?
The word “mutual” means felt or done equally by both sides; shared between two or more people. In plain terms, something that goes both ways — shared equally by everyone involved.
How do you pronounce “mutual”?
“Mutual” is pronounced MYOOT-shoo-uhl (/ˈmjuːt͡ʃuəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “mutual” in a sentence?
Here is “mutual” used in a sentence: “Their mutual respect made the negotiation much easier.”
What is another word for “mutual”?
Words with a similar meaning to “mutual” include reciprocative.
What part of speech is “mutual”?
Depending on how it is used, “mutual” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “mutual” come from?
The word “mutual” comes from Latin. Borrowed via Middle French from Latin mutuus, meaning "reciprocal" or "borrowed" — it displaced an older native English word for the same idea.
Is “mutual” a common word?
“Mutual” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “mutual” have?
“Mutual” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: felt or done equally by both sides; shared between two or more people.
What is the difference between "mutual" and "reciprocal"?
Both describe something shared between two sides, but "reciprocal" stresses that each side gives in return for what it receives, while "mutual" simply means the feeling or action is shared equally by both. Reciprocal arrangements involve an exchange, whereas mutual feelings are held in common.
What is the difference between "mutual" and "common"?
"Mutual" means felt or done equally by both sides, as in "mutual respect," while "common" means shared by or belonging to more than one person, as in "common interest." Some careful writers prefer "common friend," though "mutual friend" is very widely accepted.
Is "a mutual friend" correct English?
"A mutual friend" — a friend that two people share — is standard, widely accepted English. Some traditionalists argue "common friend" is more logical, but "mutual friend" is by far the more natural and common choice.