each other
You use this when two or more people do the same action to the other person or people. For example, if you and a friend help one another, you help each other.
“We really like each other.”
“They often give each other gifts on holidays.”
“My brother and I always help each other with our homework after school.”
“The two drivers stood on the side of the road and shouted at each other after the small accident.”
“In this dance class, partners must trust each other to stay balanced while moving across the floor.”
“The team members always check in with each other before the meeting starts to make sure everyone understands the new project goals.”
“After years of living apart, the two old friends finally met again and spent the entire afternoon catching up with each other.”
From Middle English *ech other*, *yche othere*, *ich othir*, *eche other*, and *ilk oþer*, the phrase is derived from the Old English *ǣlċ ōþer*. It functions as a compound of *each* and *other*.
The term shares its lineage with the Scots *ilk other* and the West Frisian *elkoar*. Parallel constructions appear in Dutch as *elkander* and *elkaar*.
Last updated April 22, 2026