adj B1 Intermediate Common

neutral

NYOO-truhl

Neutral (adj) means not taking sides in a conflict, dispute, or war. Example: “Switzerland remained neutral throughout much of the war.”

adj

Not taking sides in a conflict, dispute, or war.

"Switzerland remained neutral throughout much of the war."

"The mediator has to stay neutral between both parties."

Having no strong color, especially gray, beige, or similar tones.

"They painted the walls a neutral beige to suit any decor."

Chemically neither acidic nor alkaline, with a pH around 7.

"Pure water is considered chemically neutral."

noun

The gear position in a vehicle where power is not sent to the wheels.

"He put the car in neutral while waiting at the crossing."

How to use neutral

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNot favoring any side, having no strong quality, or (in a car) the gear that disengages the engine from the wheels.

Common pairings

stay neutral neutral colors neutral gear neutral pH

Word forms

more neutral comparative, neutrals plural, most neutral superlative

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Switzerland remained _____ throughout much of the war.

Etymology

From Middle French neutral, from Latin neutralis, itself built from neuter plus -alis.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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impartial unbiased nonpartisan unaligned disinterested detached

Related words

just fair separate removed objective separated isolated distant

Frequently asked questions

What does “neutral” mean?

The word “neutral” means not taking sides in a conflict, dispute, or war. In plain terms, not favoring any side, having no strong quality, or (in a car) the gear that disengages the engine from the wheels.

How do you pronounce “neutral”?

“Neutral” is pronounced NYOO-truhl (/ˈnuː.tɹəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “neutral” in a sentence?

Here is “neutral” used in a sentence: “Switzerland remained neutral throughout much of the war.”

What part of speech is “neutral”?

Depending on how it is used, “neutral” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “neutral” come from?

The word “neutral” comes from Latin. From Middle French neutral, from Latin neutralis, itself built from neuter plus -alis.

Is “neutral” a common word?

“Neutral” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “neutral” have?

“Neutral” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not taking sides in a conflict, dispute, or war.

What is the difference between "neutral" and "impartial"?

Both involve not taking sides, but neutral often means staying out of a conflict entirely, while impartial means judging fairly without favoritism. A referee is impartial, whereas a neutral country stays out of a war altogether.

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