each other
each other
Pronunciation
IPA phonetic spelling:
/iːtʃ ˈʌðər/
Breakdown by syllable:
each: /iːtʃ/
/iː/: as in "see"
/tʃ/: as in "church"
oth: /ʌð/
/ʌ/: as in "cup"
/ð/: as in "this"
er: /ər/
/ər/: as in "teacher"
Word Form Variations
"Each other" is a reciprocal pronoun phrase and does not have variations in the typical sense of singular/plural or different conjugations like a verb. It always functions as a fixed phrase.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Pronoun (Reciprocal)
Definition 1: Used to indicate that two or more people or things perform the same action to or for the other(s) in a mutual way.
Example: "They helped each other move the heavy furniture."
Synonyms: one another, mutually
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it describes a reciprocal relationship; however, phrases indicating individual action could be considered opposite, e.g., "themselves," "alone.")
Definition 2: Used to express a reciprocal relationship or interaction between two or more entities.
Example: "The two arguments contradict each other."
Synonyms: reciprocally, interactively
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; similar to above, concepts of independence or lack of interaction would be opposite.)
Examples of Use
Books:
"They found themselves drawn to each other despite their differences, a silent understanding passing between them." (From a romance novel)
"The two scientific theories, though seemingly disparate, actually complement each other in explaining the phenomenon." (cosmos by Carl Sagan)
"In the bustling marketplace, vendors haggled with each other over prices, a lively cacophony filling the air." (Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett)
Newspapers:
"During the natural disaster, neighbors relied on each other for support and shared resources." (The New York Times)
"The opposing political parties continued to accuse each other of misdeeds, stifling any chance of bipartisan cooperation." ( The Guardian)
"Local businesses are encouraged to collaborate with each other to foster economic growth in the community." (The Denver Post)
Online Publications:
"Online communities often thrive on members supporting each other through shared interests and challenges." (Wired)
"New research suggests that certain gut bacteria can influence each other in complex ways, impacting overall health." (From a science news website, e.g., ScienceDaily)
"Travelers share tips with each other on the best hidden gems and local eateries in various destinations." (Lonely Planet)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film/TV Dialogue: "You complete each other." (When Harry Met Sally...)
Song Lyrics: "We were made for each other, darling, don't you know?" (Taylor Swift & Ed Sheeran)
Video Game Dialogue: "Our units must protect each other if we are to survive this ambush." (StarCraft)
Podcast Discussion: "And that's how these two historical figures, despite never meeting, influenced each other's philosophies." (Hardcore History with Dan Carlin)
Social Media Post: "So happy to see my friends lifting each other up! #friendshipgoals" (From an Instagram caption or Facebook post)
General Public Discourse:
"Let's try to understand each other's perspectives before jumping to conclusions." (Heard in a family discussion or a conflict resolution setting)
"We really need to help each other out during these tough times." (Spoken in a community meeting or among neighbors)
"The kids were throwing the ball to each other in the park." (A common observation in everyday conversation)
"Couples often finish each other's sentences when they've been together for a long time." (A common idiom used in everyday conversation)
10 Famous Quotes Using Each other
"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools." (Martin Luther King Jr.) - While not explicitly "each other," this quote embodies the reciprocal necessity of mutual coexistence.
"Love one another, but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls." (Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet) - Uses "one another," a direct synonym.
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." (Mahatma Gandhi) - Implies a reciprocal benefit, even if not directly "each other."
"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." (Henry Ford) - Highlights the collaborative aspect inherent in "each other."
"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'" (C.S. Lewis) - Illustrates the mutual discovery that underpins reciprocal relationships.
"We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Without diversity, life would be very boring." (Catherine Pulsifer) - Emphasizes the complementary nature that allows individuals to interact with "each other."
"Life is an echo. What you send out comes back. What you sow, you reap. What you give, you get. What you see in others, exists in you." (Zig Ziglar) - This quote speaks to the reciprocal nature of actions and perceptions.
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." (African Proverb) - "Go together" strongly implies working with or alongside "each other."
"No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main." (John Donne, "Meditation 17") - A classic statement on interconnectedness, implying reliance on "each other."
"Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was their finest hour.'" (Winston Churchill) - Implies a collective effort and mutual support among those involved.
Etymology
The phrase "each other" is a bit like a linguistic fossil, showing us how English has changed over many centuries.
It comes from a very old form of English called Old English, specifically from the words ǣlċ ōþer.
Let's break that down:
ǣlċ meant "each" (and that's where our modern "each" comes from).
ōþer meant "other" (and that's where our modern "other" comes from).
So, literally, "each other" meant "each the other." It was used to describe a reciprocal action – where two or more people or things are doing something to, or for, one another.
The first known use of "each other" in this sense dates back to before the 12th century. It's been used to show that sort of mutual relationship or action for a very long time!
Essentially, what happened is that these two separate words, "each" and "other," were used together so often to express this idea of mutuality that they eventually became a fixed phrase, acting like a single pronoun. Even though they are still written as two separate words, they function together as a unit to convey that "they do it to them, and they do it to them."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Each other
Love each other: To have mutual affection.
Hate each other: To have mutual animosity.
Help each other: To provide mutual assistance.
Support each other: To offer mutual encouragement or aid.
Depend on each other: To rely mutually.
Look out for each other: To mutually protect or care for.
Know each other: To be acquainted with one another.
Confide in each other: To share secrets or private thoughts mutually.
Understand each other: To have mutual comprehension.
See each other: To meet or date regularly.
Need each other: To have mutual reliance.
Play off each other: (Idiom) For two or more people to contribute to a humorous or effective exchange, often by complementing or contrasting with one another.
Back each other up: (Idiom) To provide mutual support or confirmation.
Rub each other the wrong way: (Idiom) To irritate or annoy one another.
Compete with each other: To strive for the same objective in rivalry.
Work with one another: (Synonym idiom) To collaborate effectively.
Bounce ideas off one another: (Synonym idiom) To discuss ideas with others to get feedback.
On good terms with one another: (Synonym idiom) To have a friendly relationship.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of each other from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
