neutral
Definitions
Not supporting either side in a conflict, dispute, or competition
中立的，不偏袒任何一方的
Having no strongly marked or positive characteristics; (of color) without strong hue; (of chemistry) neither acid nor alkaline
中性的；（颜色）不鲜艳的；（化学）既非酸也非碱的
A person, country, or state that takes no side; the disengaged gear position in a vehicle
中立者，中立国；（汽车）空挡
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin neuter: ne- (not) + uter (either of two) = 'neither one nor the other,' plus -al (adjective). The single idea 'belonging to neither side' stretches across war (a neutral nation), color (a neutral tone), chemistry (a neutral solution), and machinery (neutral gear). Whatever the two poles are, neutral sits outside both.
Usage Guide
neutral works across very different fields, and the field decides the meaning: politics/conflict (taking no side), color (muted, low-saturation), chemistry (pH 7), and driving (the gear engaging nothing). 'Neutral' the noun for the car position takes no article in 'in neutral.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
Switzerland remained neutral throughout both world wars.
- 2.
She painted the room in neutral tones like beige and grey.
- 3.
Distilled water is chemically neutral, neither acid nor base.
- 4.
He shifted the car into neutral while waiting at the light.
Easily Confused
neutral vs impartial — both mean 'taking no side,' but neutral is about not being involved at all (a neutral country stays out of the war), while impartial is about judging fairly when you ARE involved (an impartial judge still rules, just without bias). A referee is impartial, not neutral.