neutrality
/njuːˈtræl.ə.ti/ IELTSAcademic
noun
Neutrality is the state of not supporting either side in a dispute, conflict, or competition. It can also mean not taking part in an argument or political issue.
- The country stayed neutral during the war.
- She tried to keep neutrality in the debate.
Adinary Nuance
Neutrality is stronger and more formal than being “fair” or “unbiased.” Use it when a person, group, or country deliberately avoids choosing sides. It is not the same as “indifference,” which means not caring.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- trung lập
- Spanish
- neutralidad
- Chinese
- 中立
- Japanese
- 中立
- Korean
- 중립
Etymology
Neutrality comes from Late Latin neutralis, meaning “of neither side.” It entered English through French in the late Middle Ages.
Common phrases
political neutralitymaintain neutralityneutrality policyarmed neutrality
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is neutrality formal or informal?
- Neutrality is fairly formal. You often see it in news, politics, law, and academic writing.
- What is the difference between neutrality and impartiality?
- Neutrality means not choosing a side. Impartiality means judging fairly without bias.
- Can I use neutrality in everyday speech?
- Yes, but it sounds more formal. In casual speech, people often say “I’m staying out of it.”
- Is neutrality the same as not caring?
- No. Neutrality can show careful choice, while not caring is more like indifference.