impartial
im-PAHR-shuhl
/ɪmˈpɑːrʃəl/
Treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just.
Impartiality is an active quality of fairness, whereas neutrality can be a passive refusal to participate.
The story behind the word. The word is built from the prefix 'im-' (not) and 'partial' (favoring one part). It literally means 'not taking one part over the whole'.
Word relationships
- unbiased: Unbiased is often used for data or opinions; impartial is more common for people in authority.
- partisan: A partisan is a strong supporter of a specific party or cause.
Commonly confused with
- neutral: A neutral person doesn't get involved; an impartial person gets involved but stays fair.
Word family
- impartiality (noun): Equal treatment of all rivals or disputants; fairness.
- partially (adverb): In a way that favors one side (the opposite of impartially).
Collocations
- impartial advice
- impartial judge
- impartial jury
Example sentences
- "A judge must be impartial and fair, regardless of their personal feelings about the case." Judiciary
- "We need an impartial observer to evaluate the results of the clinical trial." Research
Memory hook
Impartial: You are 'not' (im) taking a 'part' (partial). You want the whole truth. Impartial = No favorites.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a color or a gear; use 'neutral' for those.
Fun facts
- The concept of an 'impartial jury' is a cornerstone of the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Related words
Explore more words
impartiality, unbiased, neutrality, even-handed, nonpartisan
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