Words / B2

NYOOTR-uh-l/ˈnjuːtrəl/

Neutral means not taking sides: remain neutral, a neutral chair, a neutral country. Impartial is close for referees and journalists; unbiased is a cousin. Neutral can also mean not strongly coloured (neutral tones) or a gear (in neutral). In speech, not taking sides is enough. Do not claim a newspaper is neutral if it clearly campaigns, and do not confuse it with natural.

Meaning

Not supporting either side in a disagreement or war.

Examples

• “The chair must remain neutral during the debate.”
• “The mediator stayed neutral while the two sides traded figures.”
• “Paint the office in neutral colours, which is the design sense, not politics.”

Good to know

remain / stay neutral. Close: impartial / unbiased. Also: colours; car gear. Mix-up: natural. Tone: official and academic.

Near in meaning

impartial

New