neutral
pronunciation
How to pronounce neutral in British English:
UK [ˈnjuːtrəl]
How to pronounce neutral in American English:
US [ˈnuːtrəl]
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- Noun:
- one who does not side with any party in a war or dispute
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- Adjective:
- neither moral nor immoral; neither good nor evil, right nor wrong
- having no personal preference
- having only a limited ability to react chemically; not active
- not supporting or favoring either side in a war, dispute, or contest
- having no net electric charge; not electrified
- lacking hue
- of no distinctive quality or characteristics or type
- lacking distinguishing quality or characteristics
Word Origin
- neutral (adj.)
- late 15c., "composed of contrasting elements which, in proper proportion, neutralize each other," from Middle French neutral, from Latin neutralis "of neuter gender," from neuter (see neuter (adj.)). Chemistry sense is from 1660s. Sense of "not taking sides in a fight" (1540s) probably is from a similar meaning in Medieval Latin. Of colors, from 1821. Neutral corner is from boxing (1908).
- neutral (n.)
- mid-15c., "one who remains neutral," from Latin neutralis "of neuter gender," (see neutral (adj.)). Meaning "disengaged position in gear mechanisms" is from 1912.
Synonym
Example
- 1. So the tax is supposed to be fiscally neutral .
- 2. Use a soap designed for oily or neutral skin .
- 3. Even neutral observers doubt both mr hollande 's belief in reform and his strength of resolve to push it through .
- 4. This versatile spirit , in its purest form , is considered neutral , and has little or no hangover effects dependent on your consumption levels of course .
- 5. America insists it is entirely neutral on the territorial disputes .