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REFERENCE

neutral

adj. · n.
US //ˈnutɹəɫ// UK //njˈuːtɹəl// neu·tral
  1. 1 not taking sides (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Politics

    not supporting any side in an argument, competition, or war.

    refraining from taking part in a conflict or supporting any particular side; impartial and nonaligned.

    Example

    Switzerland remained neutral during the major wars of the twentieth century.

    Example

    The journalist maintained a neutral tone throughout the interview, refusing to let her personal opinions influence the questions she asked the candidate.
  2. 2 chemistry/science (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    neither acidic nor alkaline, with a pH of exactly 7.

    possessing a pH value of approximately 7.0 at 25 degrees Celsius, indicating a balance of hydrogen and hydroxide ions.

    Example

    Pure water is neutral and has a pH level of seven.

    Example

    The experiment required a neutral solution to ensure that the chemical reaction was not affected by acidity or alkalinity.
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  1. 3 physics/electricity (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    having no electrical charge, or having equal positive and negative charges.

    carrying no net electric charge; possessing an equal number of protons and electrons.

    Example

    Neutrons are neutral particles found inside the center of an atom.

    Example

    The object returned to a neutral state after the excess static electricity was discharged through the copper wire.
    • uncharged
  2. 4 colours (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having very little colour, such as grey, beige, or white.

    lacking strong or distinctive colour; typically used to describe shades like grey, cream, or tan that coordinate easily with others.

    Example

    We decided to paint the living room a neutral sandy colour.

    Example

    The interior designer recommended a neutral palette for the walls to allow the vibrant artwork to remain the focal point of the room.
  3. 5 gears (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the position of the gears in a car where the engine is running but the wheels do not move.

    the configuration of a transmission system in which the engine is disconnected from the driven parts.

    Example

    Put the car in neutral and pull the handbrake before you get out.

    Example

    The driver left the engine idling in neutral while waiting for the heavy freight train to pass the level crossing.
  4. 6 a person or country (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Politics

    a person or a country that does not take sides in a fight or war.

    an individual, entity, or nation that does not participate in a controversy or conflict.

    Example

    The meeting was held in a third country that was a known neutral.

    Example

    As a lifelong neutral in local politics, he was the perfect candidate to chair the town hall debate on the controversial new development.
Origin

From Middle French neutral (compare modern French neutre), from Latin neutrālis. By surface analysis, neuter + -al.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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