Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Not supporting or favoring either side in a conflict, competition, or argument: A "neutral" position involves not taking sides and remaining impartial.
   • Having no strong or positive qualities; not distinct or noticeable: A "neutral" color, flavor, or personality lacks distinctive characteristics.
   • Having no net electric charge: In physics, a "neutral" particle or object has equal positive and negative charges.
   • Neither acid nor alkaline: In chemistry, a "neutral" substance has a pH of 7.
   • Having only a limited ability to react chemically; inactive: A "neutral" substance may not readily participate in chemical reactions.

2. Noun:

   • A person, country, or entity that does not take sides in a war or dispute: A "neutral" remains non-aligned.
   • A disengaged position of gears in a vehicle: In mechanics, the "neutral" gear position disconnects the engine from the wheels.
   • A neutral color: A color such as gray, beige, or off-white.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Switzerland remained neutral during both world wars. (It did not join either side.)
  • The room was painted in neutral tones like beige and gray. (Colors that are not bright or strong.)
  • Pure water is chemically neutral. (It is neither acidic nor basic.)
  • The wire is neutral and carries no current. (It has no electric charge.)

• Noun:

  • The country declared itself a neutral in the conflict. (A nation that does not take sides.)
  • Put the car in neutral before starting the engine. (The gear position where the engine runs without moving the car.)

Advanced Usage

• "To remain/stay neutral": To deliberately maintain a position of not supporting any side.
  • The judge must remain neutral throughout the trial.
• "Neutral ground/territory": A place not controlled by any party involved in a conflict, often used for meetings.
  • The negotiations were held on neutral ground.
• "In neutral" (idiomatic): In a state of inactivity or pause, not making progress.
  • My career seems to be in neutral at the moment.

Variants and Related Words

• Neutrality (n): The state or policy of being neutral.
  • The country's neutrality was respected by its neighbors.
• Neutralize (v): To make something neutral or ineffective; to counteract.
  • The antidote neutralized the poison.
• Neutralist (n): A person who advocates or supports neutrality.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Impartial, unbiased, disinterested, nonaligned, indifferent, colorless, achromatic.
• Noun: Noncombatant, nonparticipant.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Biased, partial, partisan, colorful, acidic, alkaline, charged.
• Noun: Belligerent, combatant, participant.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "On neutral terms": Having a relationship that is not friendly or hostile.
  • After the argument, they are on neutral terms.
• "Strike a neutral tone": To speak or write in a way that is not emotionally charged or biased.
  • The report struck a neutral tone on the controversial issue.

Adjective

1. having no net electric charge
2. lacking distinguishing quality or characteristics
   • a neutral personality that made no impression whatever
3. having no hue
   • neutral colors like black or white
4. possessing no distinctive quality or characteristics
5. not supporting or favoring either side in a war, dispute, or contest
6. having only a limited ability to react chemically; chemically inactive
   • inert matter
   • an indifferent chemical in a reaction
7. having no personal preference
   • impersonal criticism
   • a neutral observer

Noun

1. one who does not side with any party in a war or dispute