mutually antagonistic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mutually antagonistic" is correct and perfectly usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or relationship where two or more parties have a deep and active hostility towards each other. Example: The two neighboring countries have been engaged in a mutually antagonistic relationship for decades, with frequent border disputes and trade tensions.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Given that Th1 and Th2 responses are mutually antagonistic, CCR4 antagonists may act as adjuvants that direct the immune response towards a Th1-type response.

Plosone

They are generally part of a seething, mutually antagonistic mass.

Independent

The fish finger "scene" is divided into two often mutually antagonistic camps: posh and traditional.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Germany was now divided into two, mutually antagonistic Cold War zones.

The Guardian - Books

They encouraged the fidelity of women by admonishing them that the ejaculates of different men were mutually antagonistic.

The New York Times

Those on the left are split into three mutually antagonistic groups.

The Economist

The city was divided into four, mutually antagonistic cold war zones controlled by Russia, the US, France and Britain.

The Guardian - Books

It is already a stretch to think that such mutually antagonistic voter groups would not fight and repel one another.

The Economist

It is built around the undeniable reality of the nexus between politicians and journalists, overlapping elites who appear to much of the public as separate and mutually antagonistic.

The Guardian

Describing the current relationship between the council and local people as "mutually antagonistic" McMahon said that had to improve: "A co-operative council can't work in that way.

The Guardian

The stories Europeans are telling themselves about what's going on around them are not just different but mutually exclusive and mutually antagonistic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing relationships or systems, use "mutually antagonistic" to accurately convey the idea of active opposition or conflict between elements. For example, "The competing factions within the company developed a mutually antagonistic dynamic, hindering collaboration."

Common error

Avoid using "mutually antagonistic" when describing a simple disagreement or difference of opinion. This phrase implies a deeper, more active form of opposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mutually antagonistic" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically describing relationships, forces, or concepts in opposition. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mutually antagonistic" is a commonly used and grammatically sound adjective phrase that describes active opposition or conflict. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly suitable for written English. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it effectively conveys the adversarial nature of relationships or concepts. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a state of active conflict rather than a mere disagreement. Related terms include "reciprocally antagonistic" and "mutually hostile", offering nuanced alternatives. Use "mutually antagonistic" when you want to stress active opposition between parties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reciprocally antagonistic

Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the antagonism, highlighting that each party is antagonistic towards the other.

mutually hostile

Focuses on the hostile nature of the relationship, stressing animosity between the parties.

mutually adverse

Highlights the negative and opposing effects that each party has on the other.

mutually conflicting

Stresses the presence of conflicts and disagreements between the parties involved.

mutually opposing

Underscores the act of opposing each other, emphasizing direct resistance or disagreement.

mutually competitive

Indicates a rivalry where each party seeks to outperform or outdo the other.

mutually inimical

Highlights the detrimental and harmful nature of the relationship for both parties.

mutually belligerent

Focuses on the aggressive and war-like nature of the interaction between parties.

mutually adversarial

Indicates an opponent-like relationship, emphasizing conflict and disagreement.

mutually bellicose

Stresses a propensity for aggression and readiness to fight or argue with each other.

FAQs

How can I use "mutually antagonistic" in a sentence?

You can use "mutually antagonistic" to describe parties or concepts that actively oppose each other. For example, "The two political parties have a mutually antagonistic relationship."

What's a good alternative to "mutually antagonistic"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "reciprocally antagonistic", "mutually hostile", or "mutually conflicting".

Is it correct to say "mutually antagonistic"?

Yes, "mutually antagonistic" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe opposing forces or relationships.

What's the difference between "mutually antagonistic" and "mutually exclusive"?

"Mutually antagonistic" describes an active opposition, while "mutually exclusive" describes things that cannot coexist. Antagonistic implies conflict; exclusive implies incompatibility.