mutual

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.

“Mutual” is pronounced MYOOT-shoo-uhl (/ˈmjuːt͡ʃuəl/ in IPA).

Here is “mutual” used in a sentence: “Their mutual respect made the negotiation much easier.”

Words with a similar meaning to “mutual” include reciprocative.

Depending on how it is used, “mutual” can be an adjective and a noun.

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.

“Mutual” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“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.

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.

"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.

"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.