neutrality
nyoo-TRAL-ih-tee
/njuːˈtræləti/
The state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict, disagreement, etc.; impartiality.
Neutrality often implies a refusal to engage or take action, whereas impartiality implies fair engagement.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'neuter', which literally means 'neither of two'. It was originally used in grammar to describe words that were neither masculine nor feminine.
Word relationships
- non-alignment: Non-alignment is specifically a political term for not joining major power blocs.
- partisanship: Partisanship is strong support for a particular party or cause.
Commonly confused with
- impartiality: Neutrality is staying out of it; impartiality is being in it but being fair.
Word family
- neutral (adjective): Not taking sides.
- neutralize (verb): To render ineffective or neutral.
Collocations
- strict neutrality
- net neutrality
- policy of neutrality
Example sentences
- "Switzerland is famous for its long-standing policy of armed neutrality." International Relations
- "Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim." Ethics
Memory hook
Think of the 'Neutral' gear in a car. You aren't going forward or backward; you aren't engaged with the engine. Neither side, just the middle.
When not to use
Do not use when someone is actively judging or deciding; a judge is impartial, but a country that stays out of a war is neutral.
Fun facts
- The concept of 'Net Neutrality' refers to the idea that internet service providers should treat all data on the internet the same, not discriminating by user or content.
Related words
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