As an adjective, it means not taking sides in a conflict, or having no strong quality like acid or base, positive or negative. As a noun, it can mean a person or country that stays out of a conflict, or the gear in a vehicle where the engine is not connected to the wheels.
From Latin 'neuter' meaning 'neither (of two)', from 'ne-' (not) + 'uter' (either). It entered English through Old French in legal and political contexts.
Neutrality is powerful because it can calm conflicts—but staying neutral can also be seen as silently supporting the stronger side. In science, 'neutral' often means 'balanced', like pH 7 water being neither acidic nor basic.
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