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mutuality

/ˈmjutʃəˌwælədi/
IPA guide

Other forms: mutualities

Mutuality is a positive, interactive relationship between people. The mutuality between you and your co-workers at the ice cream shop means there's good communication and a sense of understanding.

You could also use the term reciprocity or cooperation instead of mutuality. There's an inherent sense of give-and-take or respect when there's mutuality in a relationship. The word comes from mutual and its original definition, "given and received in a reciprocal way." If you have a relationship that works well, whether it's with your favorite teacher or your best friend, it's undoubtedly because of mutuality.

Definitions of mutuality
  1. noun
    a reciprocal relation between interdependent entities (objects or individuals or groups)
    see moresee less
    types:
    commensalism
    the relation between two different kinds of organisms when one receives benefits from the other without damaging it
    parasitism
    the relation between two different kinds of organisms in which one receives benefits from the other by causing damage to it (usually not fatal damage)
    mutualism, symbiosis
    the relation between two different species of organisms that are interdependent; each gains benefits from the other
    sharing
    having in common
    sharing
    using or enjoying something jointly with others
    trophobiosis
    a symbiotic relation in which one organism protects the other in return for some kind of food product
    time sharing
    (computer science) the use of a central computer by many users simultaneously
    type of:
    reciprocality, reciprocity
    a relation of mutual dependence or action or influence
  2. noun
    a reciprocality of sentiments
    “the mutuality of their affection was obvious”
    synonyms: mutualness
    see moresee less
    type of:
    reciprocality, reciprocity
    a relation of mutual dependence or action or influence
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘mutuality'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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