mutually

American  

[myoo-choo-uh-lee] / ˈmyu tʃu ə li /

adverb

1. in a way that is shared or reciprocal.

   Please call to set up an appointment at a mutually agreeable time.

   There are significant differences between the two organizations, but they are mutually supportive.

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Other Word Forms

• nonmutually adverb
• quasi-mutually adverb
• transmutually adverb
• unmutually adverb

Etymology

Origin of mutually

mutual ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

When you do something in cooperation with another person, the two of you do it mutually. You and your sister might, for example, mutually decide to skip the family reunion. You can use the adverb mutually to describe an action or a connection that you share with someone. If you have a mutually competitive relationship with your best friend, it means that both of you feel a sense of rivalry. And when a decision is mutually beneficial to everyone in town, it helps every single person equally. The root word is the Latin mutuus, which means "reciprocal, or done in exchange."

Example Sentences

But the nature of this agreement, and the consequences of actions stemming from it, all depends on whether this agreement is mutually consensual and clear.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The president’s threats suggest they weren’t so mutually exclusive after all.

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2026

“We don’t see software and semis being mutually exclusive, but for many the question becomes, ‘Why bother with software if semis are going to outperform on an absolute and relative basis?’”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Intense engagement between ministers, officials and Hillsborough and Manchester families failed to produce a mutually agreed position on the amendment and the legislation was paused.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

Like so many Newspeak words, this word has two mutually contradictory meanings.

From "1984" by George Orwell

Related Words

• commonly
• jointly