mutual
Definitions
Felt or done equally by two or more people toward each other; reciprocal.
相互的，彼此的（双方对等地给予和接受）。
Shared in common by two or more parties.
共同的，共有的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin mūtuus ('reciprocal, borrowed'), built on mūtāre (to exchange) + -al (adj.). If something is mutual, each side gives the other the same thing — an even exchange. Mutual respect = I respect you and you respect me equally.
Root mut still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
Two common uses: (1) reciprocal feelings/actions — mutual respect, the feeling is mutual; (2) shared in common — mutual friend, mutual interests. Strict usage purists prefer 'common friend' for the shared sense, but 'mutual friend' is standard everyday English. Finance: a mutual fund pools money from many investors.
Example Sentences
- 1.
Their friendship was built on mutual respect and trust.
- 2.
The two companies reached a mutual agreement to share resources.
- 3.
The dislike between the rivals was entirely mutual.
- 4.
We have a mutual friend who introduced us last year.
Synonym Comparison
- mutual — two-way, each side gives and gets the same: mutual respect
- reciprocal — formal, emphasizes the in-return aspect: a reciprocal arrangement
- shared — held in common, not necessarily two-directional: a shared goal
- common — belonging to all, more neutral: common ground
- joint — done together as one unit: a joint statement