neutral

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Not supporting either side in an argument or conflict.

   Switzerland stayed neutral during the war.

2. 2
   adj

   Having no strong colour, feature, or quality; not noticeable.

   They painted the walls in neutral colours like beige and grey.

3. 3
   noun

   The position of the gears in a vehicle in which no power goes to the wheels.

   He put the car in neutral and rolled down the hill.

4. 4
   noun

   A person who does not take sides in a dispute.

   As a neutral, she was asked to judge the debate fairly.

From Middle French neutral (compare modern French neutre), from Latin neutrālis. By surface analysis, neuter + -al.

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