neutral
B2Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
Not supporting or helping either side in a conflict, disagreement, or competition; impartial.
Having no distinct or positive qualities; lacking strong coloration, flavor, character, or bias. In chemistry, neither acid nor alkaline. In mechanics, a disengaged position in gears.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a deliberate, principled, or official stance of non-involvement. Can describe a position, a person, a country, a color, a tone, or a chemical state. In extended use, can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being bland, uninteresting, or lacking commitment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. In automotive contexts, 'neutral' is used identically for the gear position.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties. The term is strongly associated with political/military neutrality and scientific objectivity.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
remain + neutralbe + neutral + on/about + topicdeclare + (something) + neutralstay + neutraladopt + a + neutral + positionVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on neutral ground”
- “a neutral corner”
- “remain/sit on the fence (related concept)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to market conditions with no clear trend (e.g., 'neutral outlook'), or a company's impartial position between partners.
Academic
Used to describe objective, unbiased research or a viewpoint free from personal or cultural bias.
Everyday
Commonly used for colours (e.g., beige, grey), tastes, opinions, and avoiding taking sides in an argument.
Technical
Chemistry: pH of 7. Physics/Electrical: Having no net electric charge. Automotive: Gear position where no power is transmitted.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- He stated the facts quite neutrally, without expressing an opinion.
American English
- She answered the interviewer's loaded question neutrally.
adjective
British English
- The journalist maintained a strictly neutral tone in her reporting.
- We chose a neutral beige for the hallway walls.
American English
- Switzerland remained neutral during both world wars.
- The solution tested perfectly neutral on the pH scale.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like this neutral colour for my room.
- The teacher was neutral and didn't choose a side.
- During the argument, I tried to stay neutral.
- The country declared itself neutral in the conflict.
- The mediator adopted a neutral position to facilitate a fair discussion.
- Investors were advised to take a neutral stance on the volatile currency.
- The report's ostensibly neutral language belied a subtle ideological bias.
- His critique was delivered in a deceptively neutral academic tone.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of Switzerland – a famously NEUTRAL country that doesn't take sides in wars. The word sounds like 'new trial' – a trial should be NEUTRAL and fair.
Conceptual Metaphor
NEUTRALITY IS A CENTRAL POSITION (between two poles/opposites). NEUTRALITY IS A BLANK CANVAS (lacking distinctive features).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque of 'нейтральный' for 'indifferent' (равнодушный). 'Neutral' is about impartiality, not lack of interest.
- In technical contexts (gears), Russian uses 'нейтраль' (noun), while English uses 'neutral' (adjective/noun).
- The phrase 'нейтральная полоса' (median strip) is not translated as 'neutral strip' but as 'central reservation' (UK) or 'median' (US).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'neutral' to mean 'normal' or 'average' (e.g., 'The weather was neutral.' - Incorrect).
- Confusing 'neutral' (impartial) with 'indifferent' (not caring).
- Misspelling as 'nutral' or 'netural'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'neutral' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. While it primarily means 'impartial,' it can imply a lack of character, colour, or commitment, as in 'a bland, neutral personality' or 'a neutral flavour that is quite forgettable.'
'Neutral' emphasises not taking sides between opposing parties or views. 'Objective' emphasises being based on observable facts and unbiased by personal feelings or opinions. A neutral observer doesn't join a side; an objective observer reports only facts.
Yes. It can mean a neutral country or person (e.g., 'the neutrals in the war'), or the disengaged gear position in a vehicle (e.g., 'leave the car in neutral').
Common patterns are: 'neutral on/about an issue' (impartial regarding), 'neutral in a conflict' (not involved in), and 'neutral towards someone/something' (having no particular feeling for or against).
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Debate Vocabulary
B2 · 48 words · Language for constructing arguments and discussions.
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