good neighbor policy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium/Low (Common in historical/political contexts; less frequent in general everyday conversation, where 'good neighbor' is used adjectivally).Formal to Semi-formal. Predominantly used in political, diplomatic, historical, and community discourse.
Quick answer
What does “good neighbor policy” mean?
A policy or diplomatic approach promoting friendly, cooperative, and non-interventionist relations between countries or, more generally, between people living near each other.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A policy or diplomatic approach promoting friendly, cooperative, and non-interventionist relations between countries or, more generally, between people living near each other.
Originally a specific U.S. foreign policy doctrine toward Latin America under President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and non-interference. In modern general use, it refers to any principle or practice of being a considerate, helpful, and respectful neighbor, or by extension, a framework for positive interaction between any parties in close proximity (e.g., businesses, communities, nations).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originates from American political history, so its primary historical reference is to U.S. policy. British English speakers would understand it but are more likely to encounter it in historical or international relations contexts. The spelling 'neighbor' (US) vs. 'neighbour' (UK) applies, but the policy name is fixed as 'Good Neighbor Policy' even in UK texts.
Connotations
In the US, it has strong historical/political resonance. In the UK and other Englishes, it may be perceived more as a descriptive phrase for neighborly conduct or a specific US historical concept.
Frequency
More frequent in American English due to its historical roots. In British English, equivalent concepts might be phrased as 'policy of benign relations' or simply 'good neighbourliness' (with UK spelling).
Grammar
How to Use “good neighbor policy” in a Sentence
The [Country/Organization] adopted a good neighbor policy toward [Region/Neighbor].The [Treaty/Agreement] was based on good neighbor policy principles.[Leader's] good neighbor policy improved relations with...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “good neighbor policy” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The success of the Good Neighbor Policy was highlighted in the Prime Minister's address on post-war diplomacy.
- The community council implemented a formal good neighbour policy to manage disputes.
American English
- Roosevelt's Good Neighbor Policy marked a significant shift in hemispheric relations.
- The new housing development requires adherence to a strict good neighbor policy regarding noise and parking.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to ethical practices and cooperative relationships with adjacent businesses or local communities (e.g., 'Our company's good neighbor policy includes sponsoring local events').
Academic
Used in history and political science to analyze 20th-century inter-American relations or as a theoretical model for international conduct.
Everyday
Used to describe a personal or community commitment to being helpful and respectful to those living nearby (e.g., 'We have a good neighbor policy on our street—we collect mail for each other').
Technical
In urban planning or community development, it can refer to formal agreements or guidelines to mitigate negative impacts (e.g., noise, traffic) between developments and existing residents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “good neighbor policy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “good neighbor policy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “good neighbor policy”
- Misspelling as 'good neighbour policy' when referring specifically to the US policy (the official name uses American spelling).
- Using it as a general adjective without 'policy' ('He has a good neighbor policy attitude' is awkward; better: 'He has a good-neighbor attitude' or 'He follows a good neighbor policy').
- Confusing it with general 'neighborliness', which is a personal quality, not a formal policy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was successful in improving diplomatic and cultural relations between the US and Latin America in the 1930s and 1940s, creating a period of relative hemispheric solidarity during World War II. However, its principles were often undermined by later US actions during the Cold War.
Yes, but it's more formal. You can say someone 'follows a good neighbor policy' to mean they are consistently considerate. More commonly, people are simply described as being 'a good neighbor' or having 'good neighborly relations'.
Isolationism seeks to avoid political and military entanglements abroad entirely. The Good Neighbor Policy actively engaged with other nations (specifically in Latin America) but on terms of mutual respect and non-intervention, focusing on trade and cultural exchange rather than military coercion.
When referring to the specific US historical policy, the original American spelling 'Good Neighbor Policy' is typically retained. When used generically, it follows standard British spelling: 'good neighbour policy'.
A policy or diplomatic approach promoting friendly, cooperative, and non-interventionist relations between countries or, more generally, between people living near each other.
Good neighbor policy is usually formal to semi-formal. predominantly used in political, diplomatic, historical, and community discourse. in register.
Good neighbor policy: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊd ˈneɪbə ˌpɒləsi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊd ˈneɪbɚ ˌpɑːləsi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A good fence makes good neighbors. (Related, but emphasizes boundaries within goodwill)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Roosevelt shaking hands with Latin American leaders over a garden fence, symbolizing friendly, respectful relations instead of interference.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTERSTATE RELATIONS ARE NEIGHBORLY RELATIONS (Nations as neighbors in a global community).
Practice
Quiz
In a modern business context, a 'good neighbor policy' LEAST likely refers to: