In philosophy and theology, matters that are neither inherently good nor evil; things morally indifferent or neutral.
Greek plural form (though often used as singular) of 'adiaphoron,' from 'a-' (not) + 'diapherein' (to differ or matter). The term became central to Stoic ethics and later Christian theology.
The Stoics and early Christian theologians hotly debated 'adiaphora'—should you care about what clothes you wear or food you eat?—because this concept of 'neutral matters' let them distinguish between essential values and lifestyle preferences.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.