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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Neutral Meaning, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：impartial (neutral)

neutral 🔊

/ˈnuːtrəl/

adj.

Not taking sides in an argument or fight; being fair to both.

Neutral delegate abstaining from voting in UN meeting

impartial 🔊

➕

/ɪmˈpɑːrʃəl/

adj.

Refers to a person, country, or entity that does not support either side in a conflict, dispute, or argument. It implies fairness and lack of bias.

📁 Category：Countries & Government 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'neuter' ('ne' = not, 'uter' = either) meaning 'neither side'.

💡 Mnemonic

NEUTral = Not Engaged on either side, Unbiased, True to the middle.

📖 Example

During the argument between the two countries, the small island nation declared itself neutral and would not join either side. 🔊 During the argument between the two countries, the small island nation declared itself neutral and would not join either side.

🔗 Collocations

remain neutral – to stay uninvolved or impartial in a conflict

neutral ground – a place or position that is not aligned with any party

neutral party – an individual or group that does not take sides

🔄 Synonyms

impartial (adj.) – Treating all sides equally; not biased

unbiased (adj.) – Showing no prejudice for or against something

nonpartisan (adj.) – Not supporting any political party or side

🚫 Antonyms

biased (adj.) – Showing unfair preference for one side

partial (adj.) – Favoring one side over another

sided (adj.) – Taking a particular side in a dispute

🌱 Derivatives

neutrality (n.) – The state of being neutral

neutralize (v.) – To make something neutral or ineffective

neutralization (n.) – The process of making something neutral

📖 Cultural Story

Neutral comes from Latin 'neuter' (neither). First used in politics in the 16th century, later adopted in science (e.g., pH 7) and engineering (neutral wire). It emphasizes objectivity and non-involvement.

Meaning 2：neutral tone (neutral)

neutral 🔊

/ˈnuːtrəl/

adj.

Colors that are not bright or strong; a personality that is calm and not extreme.

Neutral color swatches beige gray taupe flat lay

neutral tone 🔊

➕

/ˈnuːtrəl toʊn/

adj.

Refers to colors that are not bright or vivid, such as beige, gray, white, and brown; also used to describe a personality that is calm, moderate, and not extreme.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

For the living room walls, she chose neutral colors like beige and light grey to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. 🔊 For the living room walls, she chose neutral colors like beige and light grey to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.

🔗 Collocations

neutral color scheme – a palette of muted, non-bright colors used in design

neutral paint – paint in shades like beige, gray, or off-white

neutral decor – interior decoration using soft, understated colors

🔄 Synonyms

muted (adj.) – Soft and subdued in color or tone

subtle (adj.) – Not immediately obvious; delicate and understated

restrained (adj.) – Showing moderation or self-control; not extreme

🚫 Antonyms

bright (adj.) – Strongly luminous or vivid in color

vivid (adj.) – Very bright and intense in color

garish (adj.) – Loud, flashy, and obtrusive in color

🌱 Derivatives

neutrality (n.) – The quality of being neutral in color or character

neutralize (v.) – To make something neutral, e.g., a color neutral by mixing

neutralization (n.) – The process of becoming neutral in color or effect