mutual respect — respect from both sides
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
When two people or groups both value and treat each other well, showing consideration and understanding.
Say it like a native
Textbook There exists a reciprocal sense of respect between them.
Native There's a lot of mutual respect between them.
'Reciprocal sense of respect' is academic; 'mutual respect' is the set phrase.
Pattern: mutual respect (between A and B) / have mutual respect
In use
- A healthy friendship is built on mutual respect and trust.relationships
- In my opinion, mutual respect is essential for a successful marriage because both partners need to feel valued.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ We have a mutual respect to each other.
✓ We have mutual respect for each other.
Respect FOR each other (not 'to'); 'mutual' already means both ways.
Common collocations
mutual respect— mutual respect, based on, built on, for each other
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'respect', which can be one-sided, 'mutual respect' always involves both parties.