even-handed
Definition
Adjective: - Fair and impartial: "even-handed" describes a person, action, or decision that treats all sides equally without bias or favoritism. - The judge was known for her even-handed approach to every case. (She treated all parties fairly.)
Usage Examples
- (The summary was balanced and unbiased.)
- (Parents should not favor one child over another.)
- (The analysis did not take sides.)
Advanced Usage
"to maintain an even-handed stance": to continue being fair in a situation where others may be biased.
- The newspaper strives to maintain an even-handed stance on political issues. (It tries to report without bias.)
"even-handed justice": justice that is applied equally to all people regardless of status.
- The community demanded even-handed justice for all citizens. (They wanted equal treatment under the law.)
Variants and Related Words
Even-handedness (noun): the quality of being fair and impartial.
- Her even-handedness as a referee earned her respect. (Her fairness was admired.)
Even-handedly (adverb): in a fair and impartial manner.
- The manager dealt even-handedly with the dispute. (He handled it without favoritism.)
Synonyms
- Impartial: not favoring one side over another.
- Unbiased: free from prejudice or preference.
- Fair: just and reasonable.
Related Idioms
To give someone a fair shake: to treat someone justly.
- The boss gave all employees a fair shake, regardless of their background. (He was even-handed.)
To play no favorites: to treat everyone equally.
- The teacher plays no favorites in grading. (The teacher is even-handed.)