neutrality meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

neutrality

noun

UK /njuːˈtɹæləti/ · US /nuˈtɹæləti/

Etymology From Middle French neutralité, from Medieval Latin neutralitas. Morphologically neutral + -ity.

Usually The state or quality of being neutral; the condition of being unengaged in contests between others; state of taking no part on either side.

And what happineſs is there in a ſtorm of paſſions? On this account the Scepticks affected an indifferent æquipondious neutrality as the only means to their Ataraxia, and freedom from paßionate diſturbances.1665, Joseph Glanvill, chapter XXVII, in Scepsis Scientifica: Or, Confest Ignorance, the Way to Science; in an Essay of the Vanity of Dogmatizing, and Confident Opinion with a Reply to the Exceptions of the Learned Thomas Albius, London: E. Cotes, page 168:
Men who possess a state of neutrality in times of public danger, desert the interest of their fellow subjects.1709, Joseph Addison, The Tatler:

2 more examples

The official pretence of a scrupulous solicitude to maintain neutrality is flagrantly insincere.1856 June 14, “England and America”, in The Saturday Review of Politics, Literature, Science, and Art, volume 2, number 33, London: John W. Parker and Son, page 141:
Lizzo, who is known for messages of self-love and wider acceptance, has recently said as much as she shared that she is encouraging a stance of body neutrality for herself and others.2023 May 29, Madeline Holcombe, “Lizzo is teaching us about body neutrality. Here is what it means and how to get there”, in CNN:

Obsolete, Usually Indifference in quality; a state neither very good nor bad.

There is no health; physicians say that we At best enjoy but a neutrality.1611, John Donne, An Anatomy of the World:

Chemistry, Natural sciences, Physical sciences Usually The quality or state of being neutral.

Usually The condition of a nation or government which refrains from taking part, directly or indirectly, in a war between other powers.

International law

Usually Those who are neutral; a combination of neutral powers or states.

Derived terms: antineutrality, armed neutrality, carbon neutrality, climate neutrality, electroneutrality, exegetical neutrality, gender neutrality, nonneutrality, nutrient neutrality, positive neutrality, proneutrality, quasineutrality, superneutrality, thermoneutrality
Related terms: net neutrality, network neutrality, internet neutrality, NN