mutual comprehension

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mutual comprehension" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more parties understand each other equally well. Example: "In order to resolve the conflict, both sides must strive for mutual comprehension of each other's perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But mutual comprehension is by no means guaranteed, or even apparent.

The New Yorker

Such differences take the form of dialectal differentiation as long as there is some degree of mutual comprehension but eventually result in the emergence of distinct languages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Everyone says that they are in favour of greater mutual comprehension, but the failure to achieve it is not just a result of people not making the effort to understand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Earlier this year, President Jacques Chirac said that French and German "cultures should come closer together so that, through an effort of mutual comprehension and respect, we can arrive at genuine union".

Independent

Dummett recounts the history of analytic philosophy from Frege onwards in the laudable hope that a clearer understanding of the philosophical past will be a precondition for some sort of mutual comprehension between contemporary philosophers.

The New York Times

I'm not euphorically proclaiming that we all live in a global village where national boundaries don't demarcate sites of privilege, but first and third world experiences are not incomprehensibly alien to each other; there is potential for meaningful dialogue about inequality based on mutual comprehension and humanity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Humanness, charity, compassion, clemency, loyalty, sympathy, comprehension, mutual understanding, human solidarity communication, a natural penchant toward other beings are well-established notions, which have been thoroughly explored semantically.

The New Yorker

To fall in love with a book, in that way that I and so many others have fallen in love with Ferrante's, is to feel a special kinship with its author, a profound sort of mutual receptivity and comprehension.

The New Yorker

Public policy is crucial in forging meaningful university-industry relations, but it is difficult for governments to directly stimulate innovation and cooperation because these linkages depend on mutual interest, trust and comprehension (Bychkova et al 2015).

Triple Helix

Teamwork was high for mutual trust, team cohesion, comprehension of team goals and objectives, and communication, but not for decision making/planning.

BMC Health Services Research

Most of the important teamwork dimensions – i.e., mutual support, team cohesion, comprehension of team goals and objectives and communication [ 6, 11, 25] – were highly present in the teams.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mutual comprehension" when you want to emphasize that understanding is shared and reciprocal between two or more parties, not just one-sided.

Common error

Don't assume that "mutual comprehension" exists simply because communication has occurred. Actively seek confirmation that all parties have a shared understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutual comprehension" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a state of shared understanding. As Ludwig highlights, it emphasizes the reciprocal nature of understanding between parties.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mutual comprehension" is a phrase used to describe a state of shared and reciprocal understanding. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and used across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While not as frequent as other phrases, its specific emphasis on the reciprocity of understanding makes it valuable in situations where clarity and shared perspective are crucial. When writing, remember that true "mutual comprehension" requires active effort and confirmation, not just assumption. Related phrases like "shared understanding" and "reciprocal understanding" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared understanding

Emphasizes the commonality of understanding between parties.

reciprocal understanding

Highlights the two-way nature of understanding.

common ground

Suggests a shared basis of understanding or agreement.

inter-understanding

Implies a deeper, more interconnected level of understanding.

cognitive consonance

Refers to a state of mental agreement and understanding.

clear communication

Focuses on the clarity that leads to mutual understanding.

effective dialogue

Stresses the interaction that facilitates understanding.

accord

Indicates agreement and shared understanding.

correspondence

Highlights the alignment of thoughts and understanding.

shared perspective

Emphasizes a common viewpoint and understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "mutual comprehension" in a sentence?

You can use "mutual comprehension" to describe situations where two or more parties understand each other equally well. For example, "The success of the project depended on achieving "mutual comprehension" of the goals".

What's a good alternative to "mutual comprehension"?

Alternatives include "shared understanding", "reciprocal understanding", or "common ground", depending on the context.

Is "mutual understanding" the same as "mutual comprehension"?

While similar, "mutual understanding" often implies a general agreement or awareness, whereas "mutual comprehension" emphasizes a deeper, more thorough grasp of the details and nuances involved.

How important is "mutual comprehension" in a team setting?

"Mutual comprehension" is vital for effective teamwork, as it ensures that all team members are on the same page regarding goals, tasks, and expectations, leading to better collaboration and outcomes.