neutrality

/nuːˈtræləti/ formal

Say it: noo-TRAL-ih-tee

1. noun The state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict, war, or disagreement.
Switzerland has a long-standing policy of armed neutrality in international affairs.
2. noun The quality of being impartial, unbiased, or not influenced by personal feelings.
A good journalist is expected to maintain neutrality when reporting on controversial issues.
3. noun A state of being chemically neutral, neither acidic nor alkaline.
Pure water is the standard for neutrality, with a pH of 7.
4. noun A lack of strong or decided character, color, or other quality.
The room was decorated with a bland neutrality that made it feel impersonal.

📖 Seen in the wild

Switzerland is famous for its long-standing policy of neutrality in international conflicts.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ neutrality in a sentence

The mediator's strict neutrality was key to resolving the labor dispute.
During the family argument, I tried my best to maintain a position of neutrality.
The tech platform claims neutrality, but its algorithm appears to favor certain content.
Net neutrality is the principle that internet providers should treat all data equally.
Her expression of calm neutrality gave no clue as to her true feelings.
The country's neutrality was violated when its ships were attacked.
He chose a color scheme of gray and beige for its soothing neutrality.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

impartiality objectivity detachment nonpartisanship disinterest non-alignment fairness equidistance

impartiality · implies being an unbiased judge of something you are involved in.

objectivity · suggests a focus on facts without influence from personal feelings.

detachment · emphasizes emotional distance and a lack of personal investment.

nonpartisanship · refers specifically to not aligning with a political party or faction.

Opposites: partisanship, bias, partiality, involvement, prejudice

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'neutrality' comes to us from the Latin 'neutralis', meaning 'of neither gender', which itself is from 'neuter', meaning 'neither'. It entered English in the 1500s through French, first describing a middle state between two things. By the 17th century, it had acquired its primary modern sense of a nation not taking sides in a war.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

maintain neutralitystrict neutralityarmed neutralityviolate neutralitypolitical neutrality

Neutrality is often confused with impartiality. Use 'neutrality' when referring to a state of non-involvement in a conflict. Use 'impartiality' for the quality of being an unbiased judge or decision-maker within a situation. While neutrality is often presented as a positive ideal, especially in politics and journalism, it can sometimes carry a negative connotation of indifference or a refusal to stand against wrongdoing.

Word family: neutral, neutralize, neutrally, neutralist, neutralization

💬 Quick answers

What does neutrality mean in simple terms?

It means not taking a side. Whether in a war, an argument, or a competition, a neutral party stays out of the conflict and does not help either side.

What is the difference between neutrality and impartiality?

Neutrality typically means non-involvement, like a country staying out of a war. Impartiality means being involved but acting as an unbiased judge or referee, like a judge in a courtroom.

Is neutrality a good or bad thing?

It depends on the context. In diplomacy or journalism, it is often considered a virtue. However, in the face of great injustice, some argue that neutrality is a moral failure that helps the oppressor.

What is 'net neutrality'?

Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers must treat all online data the same. They cannot block or slow down specific websites or charge extra for faster access to certain content.

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