Definition of neutral

The term "neutral" as an adjective can be traced back to the early 19th century, where it meant lacking emotional charge or impartiality. Initially, in the context of chemistry, "neutral" described a substance that did not conduct electricity due to its balance of positive and negative charges. In the mid-19th century, "neutral" gained a broader meaning, as it started to be used to describe objects or circumstances that were neither positive nor negative or did not show any preference or alignment. This more general usage grew in popularity, especially in the context of politics and diplomacy, where "neutral" came to signify a state's refusal to take sides in conflicts between other nations. Over time, the meaning of "neutral" has evolved to connote a position of indifference or non-involvement, as well as impartiality. In contemporary use, this multi-faceted meaning can be seen across various disciplines, including chemistry, physics, biology, linguistics, sociology, and political science. However, regardless of context, the concept of "neutrality" still fundamentally refers to the lessening of negative or hostile behaviors, as it seeks to promote peace, fairness, and cooperation over adversity and conflict.