neutrality

/nuˈtrælɪɾi/

/nuˈtrælɪti/

Other forms: neutralities

If you refuse to take sides in an argument over whether Batman or Superman is the greatest superhero, then you are practicing neutrality. Whether you admire both equally or you simply don’t care, you are a neutral party.

Neutrality can be used broadly to describe individuals or organizations in relationship to any kind of dispute, but it most often refers to countries that don’t engage in war. For example, Sweden has a long and famous tradition of neutrality, as it has not gone to war since 1814. Referees for sporting events are also supposed to work from a position of neutrality — that is, they should never favor one team over another.

Definitions of neutrality

1. noun

   nonparticipation in a dispute or war
   type of:

   non-engagement, non-involvement, nonparticipation

   withdrawing from the activities of a group
2. noun

   tolerance attributable to a lack of involvement
   synonyms: disinterest

   type of:

   tolerance

   willingness to recognize and respect the beliefs or practices of others
3. noun

   pH value of 7
   type of:

   pH, pH scale

   (from potential of Hydrogen) the logarithm of the reciprocal of hydrogen-ion concentration in gram atoms per liter; provides a measure on a scale from 0 to 14 of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution (where 7 is neutral and greater than 7 is more basic and less than 7 is more acidic);