Word
neutrality
Phoneticsneu·tral·i·ty, stress on the second syllable
US/nuˈtɹæɫəti/
UK/njuːtɹˈælɪti/
Definitions
01not taking sides
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the state of not supporting any side in an argument or fight.
n. the quality or state of being impartial; a refusal to take part in a contest or dispute between others.
“The journalist maintained her neutrality while reporting on the local election.”
“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'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02national policy in war
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Law Formal
n. the decision of a country to stay out of a war between other nations.
n. the formal status of a nation or government which refrains from participating in a conflict between other powers.
“Switzerland is famous for its long history of neutrality during European wars.”
“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.
Teaching 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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03chemical balance
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the state of being neither an acid nor a base.
n. the state of a substance being chemically neutral, typically having a pH of 7.
“The scientist tested the water to ensure its neutrality before starting the experiment.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
04mediocre quality
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Archaic
n. a state of being neither very good nor very bad.
n. a state of indifference in quality or character; mediocrity.
“The critic dismissed the play for its dull neutrality of style.”
“The author lamented the neutrality of the era's art, claiming it lacked both the fire of passion and the coldness of true intellect.”
Teaching tip
This sense is rarely encountered in modern English outside of historical literature.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The court struck down a previous ban on headscarves in primary schools in 2020 on the basis that it contravened the principle of Austria's religious neutrality.” “Presidents since have continued to adopt a policy of neutrality.” Etymology
From Middle French neutralité, from Medieval Latin neutralitas. Morphologically neutral + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/neutrality