mutually
MYOOT-shoor-lee
Mutually (adv) means In a way that applies equally to both or all sides; reciprocally. Example: “The two companies reached a mutually acceptable price.”
adv
1
In a way that applies equally to both or all sides; reciprocally.
"The adventure was mutually beneficial."
"The two companies reached a mutually acceptable price."
"They agreed to end the contract mutually, with no hard feelings."
"The two neighbours were mutually relieved when the noisy building work finally ended."
How to use mutually
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDone by both sides at once, so it affects everyone the same way.
Common pairings
mutually beneficial
mutually exclusive
mutually agreed
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more mutually
- Superlative
- most mutually
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The two companies reached a _____ acceptable price.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for mutually
See all rhymes for mutually →Frequently asked questions
What does “mutually” mean?
The word “mutually” means in a way that applies equally to both or all sides; reciprocally. In plain terms, done by both sides at once, so it affects everyone the same way.
How do you pronounce “mutually”?
“Mutually” is pronounced MYOOT-shoor-lee (/ˈmjut͡ʃuəli/ in IPA).
How do you use “mutually” in a sentence?
Here is “mutually” used in a sentence: “The two companies reached a mutually acceptable price.”
What is another word for “mutually”?
Words with a similar meaning to “mutually” include evenly, equally and together.
What part of speech is “mutually”?
“Mutually” is an adverb.
Is “mutually” a common word?
“Mutually” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between mutually and equally?
"Mutually" specifically means something applies reciprocally between two or more sides, such as a mutually beneficial arrangement where both parties gain, while "equally" simply means in equal amounts or degrees without implying a reciprocal relationship. Something can be equal without being mutual, but mutual arrangements are usually equal in effect on both sides.
When is mutually commonly used before an adjective?
"Mutually" often appears directly before adjectives like "beneficial," "exclusive," or "agreed," as in "mutually exclusive options" or "mutually agreed terms," to show the described quality applies to both or all sides equally. This collocation pattern is extremely common in formal and legal writing.
Is mutually used in formal or informal writing?
"Mutually" tends to appear more in formal or professional writing, such as contracts, agreements, and business communication, because it precisely conveys reciprocity between parties. In casual speech, people more often use simpler phrasing like "for both of us" instead.
