race-neutral
|race-neu-tral|
🇺🇸
/ˈreɪsˌnuːtrəl/
🇬🇧
/ˈreɪsˌnjuːtrəl/
impartial regarding race
Etymology
'race-neutral' is a modern English compound formed from the noun 'race' and the adjective 'neutral'; the combined term rose into common use in the 20th century, particularly in legal and policy contexts relating to civil rights and equal treatment.
'race' entered English via French 'race' (from Italian 'razza') with senses of lineage or stock; 'neutral' comes from Latin 'neuter' > French 'neutre' > English 'neutral'. These elements were combined in English to form the compound 'race-neutral'.
Originally 'race' meant lineage or stock and 'neutral' meant not taking sides; their compound initially described being 'not based on race' and over time acquired specialized legal/policy usage referring to measures intended not to advantage or disadvantage groups based on race.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not favoring or discriminating for or against any racial group; impartial with respect to race. Often used to describe policies, practices, or criteria designed to have no racial effect.
The institution adopted race-neutral admissions criteria to avoid giving preference to any racial group.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/17 22:58