mutual dislike of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mutual dislike of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more parties share a negative feeling towards each other or something in common. Example: "Their mutual dislike of the new policy led to heated discussions during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

In spite of our mutual dislike of communications technology, e-mail cemented our relationship.

The New York Times

Oxford and Cambridge are still to outgrow the mutual dislike of town and gown.

The Economist

In 1959 he married Lilian, whom he met properly at Tanglewood, Massachusetts, in 1947, and with whom he bonded over their mutual dislike of Prokofiev.

The Guardian - Music

Similarities between the pair are obvious and their mutual dislike of Guardiola, the new City manager, will dominate discussion before the first Manchester derby of the season.

The Guardian - Sport

It is that the approach of the election, combined with the poisonous mutual dislike of the two main parties' leaderships, has (already) produced an unusually vicious and overheated political atmosphere.

The Economist

Awkward nonentity Hannah Dexter is excluded by queen bee Nikki and her acolytes and desperately lonely until rebellious new girl Lacey befriends her, citing their mutual dislike of the reigning mean girl.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The man and my friend never made up, or even upgraded their mutual dislike for one another, yet I had much respect for both of them and their positions, even as he swigged his beer in annoyance, and lumbered off.

Huffington Post

A hastily-teamed odd couple of coppers – tall, fast-tracked pretty-boy DI Chandler Rupertt Penry-Jones) and stumpy, salty veteran DS Miles (Phil Davis) – had to overcome their mutual dislike to foil Jack V2.0.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His son and General Ahmar have a long history of mutual dislike, and one of the president's goals is to ensure the continuing power of his own family in any transition, or to at least their immunity from prosecution or retaliation.

The New York Times

Centuries of mutual dislike and distrust have clouded Vietnamese-Khmer relations, and intermarriage has been infrequent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Reza's play charts the course of this superficially civilised get-together, which soon degenerates into an evening of mutual dislike and name-calling.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mutual dislike of", ensure that the context clearly establishes the parties involved and the object of their dislike. This clarifies the reciprocal nature of the feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "mutual dislike of" when the dislike is not genuinely shared or reciprocal. Using it incorrectly can misrepresent the relationship between the involved parties.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutual dislike of" functions as a noun phrase that describes a shared negative sentiment or aversion towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mutual dislike of" is a grammatically sound way to express a shared aversion or negative sentiment, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, reflecting its utility in describing interpersonal or group dynamics. While not extremely frequent, it's a useful phrase for clearly indicating a reciprocal negative feeling. Alternatives such as "shared aversion to" or "common disdain for" can be used to add nuance. Remember to ensure the dislike is genuinely shared when using this phrase to avoid misrepresenting the relationship between the involved parties. When writing avoid using "mutual dislike of" when the dislike is not genuinely shared or reciprocal. Using it incorrectly can misrepresent the relationship between the involved parties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shared aversion to

Emphasizes a common feeling of strong dislike or repugnance. Similarity: 90

common disdain for

Suggests a shared feeling of contempt or scorn. Similarity: 85

reciprocal antipathy towards

A more formal way to express mutual animosity. Similarity: 80

joint antagonism to

Implies a shared active hostility or opposition. Similarity: 78

combined detestation of

Conveys a strong sense of shared hatred. Similarity: 75

mutual loathing for

Expresses a deep feeling of disgust and aversion shared between parties. Similarity: 75

collective animosity toward

Highlights a group's shared feeling of hostility. Similarity: 72

shared resentment of

Focuses on a common feeling of bitterness or indignation. Similarity: 70

reciprocal animosity

Simplified version omitting 'of', denoting a mutual hostile disposition or ill-will. Similarity: 68

common repugnance for

Expresses a shared feeling of intense disgust or aversion. Similarity: 65

FAQs

How can I use "mutual dislike of" in a sentence?

You can use "mutual dislike of" to describe a shared feeling of aversion. For example, "Their "mutual dislike of" the new office policies created tension".

What are some alternatives to "mutual dislike of"?

Alternatives include "shared aversion to", "common disdain for", or "reciprocal antipathy towards", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "mutual dislike of each other"?

While "mutual" inherently implies reciprocity, adding "of each other" can sometimes add emphasis or clarity, though it's often unnecessary. The phrase is typically used in the context of two parties, where the relationship 'of each other' can be inferred.

What's the difference between "mutual dislike of" and "mutual respect of"?

"Mutual dislike of" indicates a shared negative feeling, while "mutual respect of" indicates a shared positive feeling of admiration or regard. They represent opposite ends of an emotional spectrum.