mutual definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mutual definition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where two or more concepts or terms are defined in relation to each other, highlighting their interdependence. Example: "In the study of language, the mutual definition of words and their meanings is crucial for effective communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

These studies of the late 1970s and '80s challenged the intellectual edifice on which the study of kinship had been built and gave rise to a lively debate over the mutual definition of kinship and gender.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although it might have been assumed that the distinction between the physical and the social was relatively stable and straightforward in the West, studies have revealed complex shifts in the mutual definition of these terms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What Solomon has in mind is the way in which, through love, the lovers redefine their identities as persons in terms of the relationship: "Love is the concentration and the intensive focus of mutual definition on a single individual, subjecting virtually every personal aspect of one's self to this process" (1988, p. 197).

SEP

Mutual definition of the situation The first stage involves the definition of the situation.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The intervention consists of five stages: (1) mutual definition of the situation by the participant and counselor; (2) goal orientation; (3) choice of an activity; (4) planning and carrying out the activity; and (5) early evaluation and feedback in a 'booster' session.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Moreover, this facilitated the knowledge of the mutual role definition of the professionals inside these organisations.

BMC Geriatrics

By definition, mutual funds have less freedom than hedge funds, so there is less scope for hedge-style mutual funds to earn outsize returns.

The Economist

Sector mutual funds by definition are concentrated in a particular industry and those that specialize in airlines or insurance have plummeted.

The New York Times

According to Dalbar's 2013 Quantitative Analysis of Investor Behavior, the average time we hold a stock mutual fund — by definition a long-term investment — is just less than three and a half years.

The New York Times

The importance of mutual knowledge, role definition, CPs' conflict of interest and the territoriality of the GP concurs with previously reported results [ 12- 15] although in our study a problem with territoriality was also reported by pharmacists who felt that GPs were assuming pharmacist roles.

BMC Health Services Research

Suggestions for future harmonization activities included use of a common nomenclature and definitions, mutual recognition and reducing the number of clinical trials.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mutual definition", ensure that the context clearly establishes that two or more concepts are being defined in relation to each other, and that this relationship is significant to the point you are making.

Common error

Avoid using "mutual definition" when you simply mean a standard definition that is widely accepted. "Mutual definition" implies a specific reciprocal relationship between the terms being defined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutual definition" functions as a noun phrase that describes a process where two or more terms or concepts are defined in relation to each other. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness, suggesting that the definitions influence and depend upon one another.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

40%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mutual definition" refers to the process where two or more terms are defined in relation to each other, highlighting their interdependence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is most commonly found in scientific and encyclopedic contexts, signifying its use in formal and academic settings. When writing, it's crucial to ensure that the context clearly establishes the reciprocal relationship between the terms being defined. Consider using alternatives like "reciprocal definition" or "interdependent definition" to vary your writing. The phrase is helpful when emphasizing the interconnected nature of concepts, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reciprocal definition

Replaces "mutual" with "reciprocal", emphasizing the back-and-forth nature of the definition.

shared definition

Focuses on the aspect of agreement or common understanding in the definition.

interdependent definition

Highlights the reliance of the terms on each other for their definition.

joint definition

Emphasizes the collaborative aspect of creating the definition.

collective definition

Similar to shared definition, stressing the group aspect of the definition.

co-definition

A more concise way of saying "mutual definition".

correlated definition

Focuses on the correlation that exists between two definitions.

relative definition

Emphasizes the relational aspect of how the terms are defined.

interactive definition

Highlights how the definition is made through interaction between two entities.

interrelated definition

Similar to interdependent definition but stresses relation rather than dependence.

FAQs

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

Use "mutual definition" when two or more concepts are defined in relation to each other. For example, "The studies highlighted the "mutual definition" of kinship and gender".

What phrases are similar to "mutual definition"?

Similar phrases include "reciprocal definition", "shared definition", and "interdependent definition". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "mutual definition" and "common definition"?

"Mutual definition" implies a relationship where the definitions of two or more concepts depend on each other. "Common definition" refers to a definition that is widely accepted.

When is it appropriate to use "mutual definition" over other similar phrases?

Use "mutual definition" when you want to emphasize that the meaning of one term is intrinsically linked to and shaped by the meaning of another term.