Definition

1. Noun:
   • The state or condition of being neutral: This refers to the quality of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict, disagreement, or competition. It implies impartiality and a lack of bias.
   • The state of being chemically neutral: In chemistry, it refers to a substance that is neither acidic nor alkaline, having a pH value of 7.
   • Nonparticipation or non-involvement: The policy or fact of not taking part in a dispute, argument, or war between other parties.

Usage and Examples

• General Neutrality (Impartiality):
  • The journalist maintained strict neutrality in her reporting, presenting facts from both sides.
  • The referee's neutrality is essential for a fair game.
• Political/Military Neutrality:
  • During the war, the country declared its neutrality and refused to send troops.
  • The treaty requires the permanent neutrality of that nation.
• Chemical Neutrality:
  • Pure water has a chemical neutrality, with a pH of 7.
  • The solution achieved neutrality after we added the base.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Armed neutrality": A condition in which a state remains neutral in a conflict but is prepared to defend itself militarily if attacked.
  • The nation practiced a policy of armed neutrality throughout the crisis.
• "Benevolent neutrality": An attitude that, while officially neutral, is sympathetic and favorable toward one side.
  • Their benevolent neutrality meant they unofficially allowed supplies to pass through their ports.
• Concept of Neutrality in Different Fields:
  • In international law, neutrality has specific rights and duties for states not involved in a war.
  • In network neutrality, it refers to the principle that internet service providers should treat all data on the internet equally.

Variants and Related Words

• Neutral (adj): Not supporting or favoring any side; having no distinct color, flavor, or characteristics; chemically neither acid nor base.
  • She tried to keep a neutral expression.
  • The room was painted a neutral grey.
• Neutralize (verb): To make neutral; to counteract the effect of something; to make something ineffective.
  • The antidote helped to neutralize the poison.
• Neutralism (noun): A policy or belief in political neutrality or nonalignment.

Synonyms

• Impartiality: The equal treatment of all rivals or disputants; fairness.
• Nonpartisanship: Not biased or partisan, especially toward any particular political group.
• Disinterest: Lack of bias or involvement; impartiality.
• Detachment: The state of being objective or aloof.

Antonyms

• Bias: Inclination or prejudice for or against one person or group.
• Partisanship: Strong, sometimes blind, support for a particular party, faction, or cause.
• Involvement: The fact or condition of being involved in or participating in something.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• "On neutral ground": In a place or situation not favoring or controlled by any particular side.
  • The diplomats agreed to meet on neutral ground.
• "Switzerland of..." (Metaphorical use): Used to describe a person, organization, or region known for its neutrality in conflicts. (Derived from Switzerland's historical policy of neutrality).
  • He became the Switzerland of the office, never taking sides in arguments.

Noun

1. pH value of 7
2. tolerance attributable to a lack of involvement
3. nonparticipation in a dispute or war