Origin: Latin suffix -al
Neutral has 10 different meanings across 2 categories:
one who does not side with any party in a war or dispute
"The diplomat remained neutral throughout the heated debate, refusing to take sides between the two opposing nations."
A nonaligned state, or a member of such a state.
"During the Cold War, many Latin American countries chose to remain neutral and refused to join either NATO or the Warsaw Pact."
In plain English: A neutral person is someone who stays out of arguments and doesn't take sides.
"The neutral gear allowed the car to roll gently down the hill."
Usage: As a noun, neutral refers to a country that does not take sides in a conflict between other nations. Use this term specifically when describing a sovereign state's official policy of non-involvement in war or political alliances.
having only a limited ability to react chemically; chemically inactive
"inert matter"
"an indifferent chemical in a reaction"
not supporting or favoring either side in a war, dispute, or contest
"The country declared itself neutral and refused to send troops to support either army in the conflict."
possessing no distinctive quality or characteristics
"The plain gray wall had a neutral tone that made it impossible to tell if the paint was white, beige, or light gray."
lacking distinguishing quality or characteristics
"a neutral personality that made no impression whatever"
having no net electric charge
"The physicist adjusted the equipment to ensure the particles remained neutral before introducing them into the electromagnetic field."
Not taking sides in a conflict such as war; nonaligned.
"During the peace talks, the mediator remained neutral to ensure both warring factions felt heard without fear of bias."
In plain English: Neutral means not taking sides or showing any strong feelings about something.
"The mediator remained neutral during the heated argument to ensure a fair settlement."
Usage: Use neutral to describe a person or group that refuses to support either side in an argument or conflict. It indicates a stance of impartiality rather than active participation in the dispute.
The word comes from the Latin neutrālis, which originally meant "not belonging to either side." It entered English through Middle French before taking on its current sense of being impartial or uncommitted.