neutrality

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the state of not supporting either side in a dispute or competition

   The mediator's neutrality helped both parties trust the negotiations.

2. 2
   noun

   a policy or legal status of not taking part in a war or conflict

   The country declared its neutrality at the outbreak of the war.

3. 3
   noun

   the chemical condition of being neither acidic nor alkaline, typically at pH 7

   Pure water approaches neutrality at room temperature.

From Middle French neutralite, from Medieval Latin neutralitas, based on Latin neutralis ("of neither side"). Neutral ultimately derives from Latin neuter ("neither of two"), combining ne ("not") with uter ("which of two"). The scientific senses extend the idea of being on neither side of a contrast.

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