Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Mutual Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤝
Add to dictionary

mutual

[ˈmjuːtʃuəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

relationship

experienced, felt, or done by two or more people, groups, or organizations in the same way

Synonyms

common, reciprocal, shared.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
mutual

Use 'mutual' to refer to feelings, actions, or agreements that are done by two or more parties with equal input and effect on both sides. Often used in relationships and benefits.

  • 'They have a mutual respect for each other
  • ' 'They reached a mutual agreement
  • '
shared

Use 'shared' to emphasize joint ownership or participation. Often used to refer to responsibilities, experiences, or resources.

  • 'They have a shared responsibility to take care of their children
  • ' 'The team celebrated their shared success
  • '
common

Use 'common' to refer to things that are frequently encountered or shared by multiple people or groups. Often used for characteristics, interests, or experiences.

  • 'It’s common for people to feel nervous before an interview
  • ' 'They found common ground in their love for music
  • '
reciprocal

Use 'reciprocal' to describe a relationship or action where both sides give and receive in equal measure. Often used in formal contexts such as legal, scientific, or mathematical settings.

  • 'They have a reciprocal trade agreement
  • ' 'Their relationship is based on reciprocal trust
  • '

Examples of usage

  • The two countries have a mutual agreement not to interfere in each other's affairs.
  • They have a mutual respect for each other's work.
Context #2 | Noun

finance

a type of financial organization that is owned by its members, who all share its profits

Synonyms

association, cooperative, society.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
mutual

Used to describe feelings or actions that are shared equally between two or more parties.

  • They have a mutual respect for each other's work.
  • Mutual understanding is key to a good relationship.
cooperative

Describes a business or other organization that is owned and run by its members, who share the profits or benefits. Can also refer to people working together willingly for a common goal.

  • They are part of a farming cooperative.
  • She has a very cooperative nature, always willing to help out.
society

Refers to a group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction, or a large organization or club formed for a particular purpose.

  • We live in a diverse society with many different cultures.
  • He is a member of a historical society.
association

Often refers to a formal group or organization of people with a common purpose, or the act of connecting or linking ideas.

  • The neighborhood association will meet next Tuesday.
  • There is an association between smoking and lung cancer.

Examples of usage

  • The credit union is a mutual that operates for the benefit of its members.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Science

  • In sociology, mutual relationships often foster trust and cooperation, leading to stronger communities.
  • Mutual respect is a key component of healthy relationships, be it in friendships, families, or work environments.

Finance

  • In finance, a mutual fund pools money from many investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks and bonds.
  • These funds allow individuals to benefit from wealth management like a collective group rather than alone.

Nature

  • Some animal species engage in mutualism, where both species benefit, like bees pollinating flowers while gathering nectar.
  • Coral reefs rely on a mutual relationship with algae, providing shelter for the algae and nutrients in return.

Literature

  • The concept of mutual understanding is explored extensively in literature, often highlighting themes of empathy and connection between characters.
  • Many classic novels, like Jane Austen's works, delve into the dynamics of mutual affection and societal expectations.

Origin of 'mutual'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'mutuus', which means 'borrowed' or 'loaned', indicating shared possession.
  • It entered English in the 14th century, often describing relationships and agreements between people.

The word 'mutual' originated from the Latin word 'mutuus', meaning 'borrowed, reciprocal'. It entered the English language in the 15th century, initially used to describe reciprocal actions or feelings between two or more parties. Over time, 'mutual' has evolved to represent shared experiences, feelings, or interests among individuals, groups, or organizations.

See also: mute, muted, mutely.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,552, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.