# neutrality

/nuˈtɹæɫəti/ (US) · /njuːtɹˈælɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/neutrality
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. not taking sides

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. national policy in war

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. chemical balance

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the state of being neither an acid nor a base.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. mediocre quality

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a state of being neither very good nor very bad.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The country maintained its neutrality during the long war.
- The mediator emphasized the importance of her neutrality to ensure both parties felt heard and respected.
- Maintaining strict diplomatic neutrality requires a delicate balance of economic independence and a refusal to enter into any military alliances that might provoke neighboring states.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.