Words / B1

im-PAHSHL/ɪmˈpɑːʃl/

Impartial means you do not take sides: an impartial chair; impartial reporting; remain impartial. Neutral is close; objective stresses facts over feelings; unbiased is a clear twin. BBC editorial guidelines talk of impartiality. Partial means biased, or incomplete — two meanings, so be careful. Do not say “impartial from the company” — say independent of / impartial towards both sides.

Meaning

Fair because you do not support one side.

Examples

• “The chair of the meeting should stay impartial and not take sides.”
• “Exam markers are trained to be impartial even if they dislike the topic.”
• “Listeners accused the phone-in of not being impartial during the strike.”

Good to know

an impartial chair / report; remain impartial. Twins: neutral / unbiased. Opposite: biased / partial. Noun: impartiality.

Near in meaning

neutral, unbiased

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