impartiality
im-PAR-shee-AL-ih-tee
/ˌɪmˌpɑːrʃiˈæləti/
The quality of not being biased or prejudiced; treating all rivals or disputants equally.
Impartiality is specifically about the absence of a 'part' or side in a conflict.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'in-' (not) and 'partis' (part). To be impartial is to refuse to take a 'part' or join a faction.
Word relationships
- neutrality: Neutrality often means not getting involved at all, while impartiality means being involved but not taking sides.
- bias: Bias is a leaning toward one side; impartiality is the lack of that leaning.
Commonly confused with
- objectivity: Objectivity is about facts vs. feelings; impartiality is about side A vs. side B.
Word family
- impartial (adjective): Not biased.
Collocations
- strict impartiality
- maintain impartiality
- appearance of impartiality
Example sentences
- "The BBC is committed to impartiality in its news coverage of the election." Journalism Ethics
- "The very essence of the judicial duty is impartiality." Judicial Duty
Memory hook
Look at the word: IM-PARTIAL. You are 'not' (im) taking a 'part'. No parts, just the whole truth.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'indifference'; an impartial judge cares about the law, but does not care which person wins.
Fun facts
- The lady of justice is blindfolded to represent her impartiality—she cannot see the 'parts' or status of the people before her.
Related words
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