Etymology Map
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Neutral

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means not supporting either side

Where does the word "neutral" come from? It comes from Latin neutralis, passing through French before entering English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
neutralis
Latin · ancient
"of neither kind"
from 'neuter', neither
2
Stage 2 of 3
neutre
French · 1400s
"neutral"
first used in English in the 1540s in alchemy, and of states refusing to take sides in a war
3
Stage 3 of 3
neutral
English · 1400s
"neither"
neutral countries in war date from the 1500s
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Read the full story

Neutral’s story begins in Latin: neutralis meant “of neither kind.” From 'neuter', neither. By 1400s, the word had taken hold in French as neutre. First used in English in the 1540s in alchemy, and of states refusing to take sides in a war. It reached English by 1400s as neutral. Neutral countries in war date from the 1500s. Today, neutral means not supporting either side.