Mutually Exclusive
/ˈmjuː.tʃu.ə.li ɪkˈskluː.sɪv/noun
Describing two or more things that cannot both be true, occur, or be chosen at the same time.
Did you know?“Exclusive” descends from Latin excludere, “to shut out,” built from ex- (“out”) and claudere (“to close”), the same root behind “close” and “conclude.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kleu-
“A reconstructed root associated with hearing or listening; this is the proposed deeper source traditionally connected with Latin claudere, though the relationship is debated.”
Classical Latin
Latin
mutuus
“Reciprocal, exchanged, or owed in return.”
Classical Latin
Latin
excludere
“To shut out, keep out, or prevent entry; formed from ex- (“out”) and claudere (“to close”).”
Late Latin
Latin
exclusivus
“Serving to exclude or keeping others out.”
15th Century
English
exclusive
“Excluding others; limited to a particular person or group.”
19th Century
English
mutually exclusive
“Describing alternatives or propositions that cannot both apply or occur.”