ENGLISH
REFERENCE

neutrality

n.
US //nuˈtɹæɫəti// UK //njuːtɹˈælɪti// neu·tral·i·ty
  1. 1 not taking sides (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the state of not supporting any side in an argument or fight.

    the quality or state of being impartial; a refusal to take part in a contest or dispute between others.

    Example

    The journalist maintained her neutrality while reporting on the local election.

    Example

    The mediator emphasized that his neutrality was essential for both parties to feel the negotiation process was fair and unbiased.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'of' or 'towards'.
  2. 2 national policy in war (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

    the decision of a country to stay out of a war between other nations.

    the formal status of a nation or government which refrains from participating in a conflict between other powers.

    Example

    Switzerland is famous for its long history of neutrality during European wars.

    Example

    The government issued a formal declaration of neutrality, hoping to protect its trade routes from being targeted by the warring factions.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the context of international law and diplomacy.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners should distinguish this from 'pacifism'; neutrality is a political stance regarding a specific conflict, while pacifism is a moral opposition to all war.
    • non alignment
    • non intervention
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  1. 3 chemical balance (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the state of being neither an acid nor a base.

    the state of a substance being chemically neutral, typically having a pH of 7.

    Example

    The scientist tested the water to ensure its neutrality before starting the experiment.

    Example

    Achieving chemical neutrality in the solution was a prerequisite for the subsequent reaction to occur without unwanted side effects.

    Usage

    Uncountable in this scientific context.
  2. 4 mediocre quality (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    a state of being neither very good nor very bad.

    a state of indifference in quality or character; mediocrity.

    Example

    The critic dismissed the play for its dull neutrality of style.

    Example

    The author lamented the neutrality of the era's art, claiming it lacked both the fire of passion and the coldness of true intellect.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is rarely encountered in modern English outside of historical literature.
Origin

From Middle French neutralité, from Medieval Latin neutralitas. Morphologically neutral + -ity.

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