Mutually exclusive Meaning and Definition
Mutually Exclusive
Pronunciation
(/ˈmjuːtʃuəlɪ ˈeks.kljuːsɪv/)
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A mutually exclusive option, choice, or decision is one that cannot coexist or be combined with another, often being in direct opposition or contradiction to another.
Examples
1. “You can only choose one of the two mutually exclusive options.”
2. “The company’s business model is mutually exclusive with the startup’s, making a merger impossible.”
Synonyms
1. Contrary
2. Incompatible
Antonyms
1. Compatible
2. Complementary
Etymology
The term “mutually exclusive” originates from Latin, with “mutuus” meaning “reciprocated” and “exclusivus” meaning “excluding”. In English, the phrase has been used since the 17th century to describe situations where two or more parties are in direct opposition or contradiction.
Usage Notes
Mutually exclusive is often used in formal or professional contexts, such as business, law, or academia, to describe situations where options or choices are limited or contradictory. However, it can also be used in everyday conversations, especially when discussing options or choices that are fundamentally incompatible.
Cultural References
Mutually exclusive has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film. For example, in George Orwell’s novel “1984”, the concept of mutually exclusive is discussed in the context of the totalitarian government’s control over information and ideas.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Either-or” situation
2. “This or that” dilemma
Collocations
1. Mutual exclusivity
2. Incompatible with
Frequency of Use
Mutually exclusive is a relatively rare phrase in everyday conversation, but it is commonly used in professional and formal contexts. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the phrase appears in approximately 0.05% of all texts.
Common Misspellings
1. Mutually Excective
2. Mutually Exlusive