Fair vs. Neutral: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
"Fair" implies just, equitable treatment without favoritism, while "neutral" means impartial, without taking sides or having a preference.
Key Differences
"Fair" is often associated with justice, equity, and equal treatment. "Neutral," on the other hand, denotes a position of impartiality and absence of bias.
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Dec 05, 2023
Fairness is typically applied in contexts where moral judgment or equity is involved, like in law or personal interactions. Neutrality is more about a stance or attitude of non-involvement, often used in diplomacy or conflicts.
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Dec 05, 2023
Being fair involves actively ensuring equal treatment and opportunities. Being neutral implies a passive stance of not favoring any side.
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Dec 05, 2023
Fairness is often seen as a positive trait, suggesting integrity and justice. Neutrality can be positive in conflict resolution but may be perceived negatively if it implies indifference in situations demanding moral judgment.
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Dec 05, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Context of Use
In justice, ethics, and personal interactions
In diplomacy, conflicts, and decision making
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Dec 05, 2023
Perception
Often viewed positively as integrity
Can be positive or negative based on context
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Dec 05, 2023
Fair and Neutral Definitions
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Neutral
Not supporting any side in a conflict.
The mediator remained neutral during the negotiations.
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Dec 05, 2023
Fair
A gathering or event for entertainment.
We went to the state fair last weekend.
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Dec 05, 2023
Neutral
Without distinctive characteristics.
The room was decorated in neutral colors.
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Dec 05, 2023
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Fair
Of pleasing appearance, especially because of a pure or fresh quality; comely.
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
Not aligned with, supporting, or favoring either side in a war, dispute, or contest.
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
Of or relating to a solution or compound that is neither acidic nor alkaline.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Having or exhibiting a disposition that is free of favoritism or bias; impartial
A fair mediator.
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
Of or relating to a particle, an object, or a system that has neither positive nor negative electric charge.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Just to all parties; equitable
A compromise that is fair to both factions.
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
Of or relating to a particle, object, or system that has a net electric charge of zero.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Being in accordance with relative merit or significance
She wanted to receive her fair share of the proceeds.
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
Of or indicating a color, such as gray, black, or white, that lacks hue; achromatic.
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
(Linguistics) Pronounced with the tongue in a middle position, neither high nor low, as the a in around.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Moderately good; acceptable or satisfactory
Gave only a fair performance of the play.
In fair health.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Superficially true or appealing; specious
Don't trust his fair promises.
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
One who takes no side in a controversy
"I am by disposition one of life's neutrals, a human Switzerland" (John Gregory Dunne).
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
A position in which a set of gears is disengaged so that power cannot be transmitted.
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
A member of a confederacy of Iroquoian-speaking Native American peoples formerly inhabiting the northern shore of Lake Erie. The Neutral were destroyed by the Iroquois in the mid-1600s.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
To join (pieces) so as to be smooth, even, or regular
Faired the aircraft's wing into the fuselage.
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
Favouring neither the supporting nor opposing viewpoint of a topic of debate; unbiased.
I am neutral regarding the issue of gay marriage.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
A gathering for the buying and selling of goods, often held at a particular time and place; a market
We attended the annual book fair.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
An exhibition of home or farm products and skills, usually with competitions and entertainments
My pumpkin won first prize at the county fair.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
An exhibition intended to inform people about a product or business opportunity
A computer fair.
A job fair.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
An event, usually for the benefit of a charity or public institution, including entertainment and the sale of goods; a bazaar
A church fair.
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
(physics) Neither positive nor negative; possessing no charge or equivalent positive and negative charge such that there is no imbalance.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Beautiful, of a pleasing appearance, with a pure and fresh quality.
Monday's child is fair of face.
There was once a knight who wooed a fair young maid.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Unblemished (figuratively or literally); clean and pure; innocent.
One's fair name
After scratching out and replacing various words in the manuscript, he scribed a fair copy to send to the publisher.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Light in color, pale, particularly with regard to skin tone but also referring to blond hair.
She had fair hair and blue eyes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Adequate, reasonable, or decent, but not excellent.
Their performance has been only fair.
The patient was in a fair condition after some treatment.
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
The position of a set of gears in which power cannot be transmitted to the drive mechanism.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Not overcast; cloudless; clear; pleasant; propitious; said of the sky, weather, or wind, etc.
A fair sky;
A fair day
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
An electrical terminal or conductor which has zero or close to zero voltage with respect to the ground.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Free from obstacles or hindrances; unobstructed; unencumbered; open; direct; said of a road, passage, etc.
A fair mark;
In fair sight;
A fair view
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
Not engaged on either side; not taking part with or assisting either of two or more contending parties; neuter; indifferent.
The heart can not possibly remain neutral, but constantly takes part one way or the other.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
(shipbuilding) Without sudden change of direction or curvature; smooth; flowing; said of the figure of a vessel, and of surfaces, water lines, and other lines.
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
Neither good nor bad; of medium quality; middling; not decided or pronounced.
Some things good, and some things ill, do seem,And neutral some, in her fantastic eye.
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
Having neither acid nor basic properties; unable to turn red litmus blue or blue litmus red; - said of certain salts or other compounds. Contrasted with acid, and alkaline.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Taken direct from an opponent's foot, without the ball touching the ground or another player.
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
A person or a nation that takes no part in a contest between others; one who is neutral.
The neutral, as far as commerce extends, becomes a party in the war.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
(statistics) Of a coin or die, having equal chance of landing on any side, unbiased.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Something which is fair (in various senses of the adjective).
When will we learn to distinguish between the fair and the foul?
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
Having no personal preference;
Impersonal criticism
A neutral observer
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Fair
(obsolete) A woman, a member of the ‘fair sex’; also as a collective singular, women.
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Neutral
Having only a limited ability to react chemically; not active;
Inert matter
An indifferent chemical in a reaction
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
Not supporting or favoring either side in a war, dispute, or contest
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
Characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.;
A positive attitude
The reviews were all positive
A positive benefit
A positive demand
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Oct 19, 2023
Neutral
Lacking distinguishing quality or characteristics;
A neutral personality that made no impression whatever
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
An event for professionals in a trade to learn of new products and do business, a trade fair.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
A travelling amusement park (called a funfair in British English and a (travelling) carnival in US English).
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
(transitive) To smoothen or even a surface (especially a connection or junction on a surface).
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
(transitive) To bring into perfect alignment (especially about rivet holes when connecting structural members).
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
(transitive) To construct or design with the aim of producing a smooth outline or reducing air drag or water resistance.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Clearly, openly, frankly, civilly, honestly, favorably, auspiciously, agreeably
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Free from spots, specks, dirt, or imperfection; unblemished; clean; pure.
A fair white linen cloth.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Pleasing to the eye; handsome; beautiful.
Who can not see many a fair French city, for one fair French made.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Without a dark hue; light; clear; as, a fair skin.
The northern people large and fair-complexioned.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Not overcast; cloudless; clear; pleasant; propitious; favorable; - said of the sky, weather, or wind, etc.; as, a fair sky; a fair day.
You wish fair winds may waft him over.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Free from obstacles or hindrances; unobstructed; unincumbered; open; direct; - said of a road, passage, etc.; as, a fair mark; in fair sight; a fair view.
The caliphs obtained a mighty empire, which was in a fair way to have enlarged.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Without sudden change of direction or curvature; smooth; flowing; - said of the figure of a vessel, and of surfaces, water lines, and other lines.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Characterized by frankness, honesty, impartiality, or candor; open; upright; free from suspicion or bias; equitable; just; - said of persons, character, or conduct; as, a fair man; fair dealing; a fair statement.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Pleasing; favorable; inspiring hope and confidence; - said of words, promises, etc.
When fair words and good counsel will not prevail on us, we must be frighted into our duty.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Free from any marked characteristic; average; middling; as, a fair specimen.
The news is very fair and good, my lord.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Clearly; openly; frankly; civilly; honestly; favorably; auspiciously; agreeably.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
A gathering of buyers and sellers, assembled at a particular place with their merchandise at a stated or regular season, or by special appointment, for trade.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
A festival, and sale of fancy articles. erc., usually for some charitable object; as, a Grand Army fair; a church fair.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
A competitive exhibition of wares, farm products, etc., not primarily for purposes of sale; as, the Mechanics' fair; an agricultural fair.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
An exhibition by a number of organizations, including governmental organizations, for the purpose of acquainting people with such organizations or their members, not primarily for commercial purposes; as, the 1939 World's Fair.
Meet me in St. Louis, LouisMeet me at the fairDon't tell me the lights are shiningAnyplace but there.
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Gathering of producers to promote business;
World fair
Trade fair
Book fair
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
A competitive exhibition of farm products;
She won a blue ribbon for her baking at the county fair
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; or conforming with established standards or rules;
A fair referee
Fair deal
On a fair footing
A fair fight
By fair means or foul
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Very pleasing to the eye;
My bonny lass
There's a bonny bay beyond
A comely face
Young fair maidens
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
(of a baseball) hit between the foul lines;
He hit a fair ball over the third base bag
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
Of no exceptional quality or ability;
A novel of average merit
Only a fair performance of the sonata
In fair health
The caliber of the students has gone from mediocre to above average
The performance was middling at best
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
(of a manuscript) having few alterations or corrections;
Fair copy
A clean manuscript
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Oct 19, 2023
Fair
In conformity with the rules or laws and without fraud or cheating;
They played fairly
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "neutral" mean indifference?
Yes, but it usually implies impartiality without bias.
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Dec 05, 2023
Is fairness subjective?
Fairness can be subjective, depending on personal or cultural beliefs.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can "fair" apply to weather descriptions?
Yes, "fair" can describe moderate or pleasant weather.
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Dec 05, 2023
Does "fair" relate to physical appearance?
Yes, it can describe light complexion or hair color.
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Dec 05, 2023
Does neutrality require disengagement?
Neutrality often involves non-engagement or non-preference.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Can "fair" imply average quality?
Yes, as in "fair" can mean moderately good or average.
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Dec 05, 2023
Does "neutral" mean having no opinion?
It can mean having no opinion or not expressing one.
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Dec 05, 2023
Is "fair" always about justice?
Yes, it often relates to justice and equity.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can "neutral" refer to a state of inactivity?
Yes, like a car being in neutral gear.
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Dec 05, 2023
Are fairness and justice synonymous?
They are closely related, but justice is a broader concept.
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Dec 05, 2023
Is "neutral" always a positive trait?
Neutrality can be positive or negative, depending on the context.
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Dec 05, 2023
Does "neutral" imply a lack of color?
In design, it can refer to colors without strong hues.
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Dec 05, 2023
Is a fair process always equitable?
A fair process aims to be equitable, but perceptions of equity can vary.
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Dec 05, 2023
Is it possible to be neutral in all situations?
It's challenging to be neutral in every situation, especially those involving moral judgments.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can neutrality be a diplomatic strategy?
Yes, neutrality is often a strategy in diplomacy.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can fairness be achieved in subjective situations?
Achieving fairness can be challenging in subjective situations but is often the goal.
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Dec 05, 2023
Can someone remain neutral in moral dilemmas?
Remaining neutral in moral dilemmas can be difficult and is often debated.
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Dec 05, 2023
Is "neutral" used in technical contexts?
Yes, like in describing neutral colors or neutral pH.
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Dec 05, 2023
Is it fair to treat everyone the same?
Fairness often involves considering individual needs and circumstances.
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Dec 05, 2023
Does "fair" have different meanings in different contexts?
Yes, its meaning can vary from justice to weather descriptions.
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Dec 05, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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Hifza Nasir
