Evenhandedness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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evenhandedness

[ˌiːvənˈhændɪdnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

fairness

The quality of being fair and impartial; evenhandedness is essential in any decision-making process. It involves treating everyone equally and without bias.

Synonyms

equity, fairness, impartiality, justice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
evenhandedness	Primarily used when referring to fair treatment where no side is favored. Often used in contexts involving distribution of resources or opinions. The teacher’s evenhandedness ensured that all students were treated equally. A good leader should exhibit evenhandedness in decision-making.
fairness	Commonly used in everyday situations involving just treatment and behavior. It is a broad term used in various contexts, including games, competition, and interpersonal relationships. The referee’s fairness was appreciated by both teams. They discussed the fairness of the new regulations.
impartiality	Typically used in situations where unbiased decision-making is crucial. Often appears in legal, journalistic, and judicial contexts. The judge's impartiality was never questioned. For a journalist, maintaining impartiality is essential.
justice	Refers to the concept of moral rightness based on ethics, law, rationality, etc. Frequently used in legal and social contexts. They fought for justice and equality. The lawyer’s goal was to ensure justice for the victim.
equity	Often used in financial or legal contexts to refer to fairness in terms of outcomes or distribution of resources. The company's policy is centered on equity and inclusion. Social equity addresses the differences in access to opportunities among diverse groups.

Examples of usage

The judge's evenhandedness in the courtroom earned her respect from both the prosecution and the defense.
The manager's evenhandedness in dealing with employee conflicts helped maintain a harmonious work environment.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

consistency

Consistency in applying rules or principles without favoritism or discrimination; evenhandedness ensures that the same standards are upheld for everyone.

Synonyms

consistency, equitability, impartiality, uniformity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
evenhandedness	Use when describing a fair and balanced approach in dealing with people or situations. 'The judge's evenhandedness in the trial was commendable ' 'Teachers should strive for evenhandedness when grading students '
consistency	Use when talking about the regularity or uniformity in actions, behavior, or quality over time. 'Her consistency in delivering high-quality work earned her a promotion ' 'Athletes must maintain consistency to perform well in competitions '
uniformity	Use when discussing the sameness or standardization in appearance, quality, or character. 'The uniformity of the soldiers' attire was striking ' 'The company aims for uniformity in its products across all markets '
impartiality	Use when highlighting an unbiased and neutral stance, especially in judgments, decisions, or opinions. 'Journalists should maintain impartiality when reporting the news ' 'The mediator's impartiality was crucial in resolving the dispute '
equitability	Use when referring to fairness and justice, ensuring equal treatment or opportunities for everyone. 'The committee worked to ensure equitability in the distribution of resources ' 'Policies should promote equitability to reduce social disparities '

Examples of usage

The teacher's evenhandedness in grading assignments reassured students that their work would be evaluated fairly.
The referee's evenhandedness in enforcing the rules of the game prevented any accusations of bias.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Social Justice

Promoting evenhandedness is crucial in debates about social justice, as it encourages unbiased treatment of all individuals.
Organizations focusing on human rights often advocate for evenhandedness to ensure diverse voices are heard and respected.

Psychology

Studies show that individuals who practice evenhandedness are often perceived as more credible and trustworthy by others.
Evenhandedness can contribute to better group dynamics by reducing conflict and promoting collaboration.

Politics

In politics, evenhandedness is vital for diplomacy, helping to maintain peace and foster cooperation among different nations.
Leaders are often judged based on their ability to demonstrate evenhandedness, especially in addressing controversial issues.

Literature

Many literary works explore themes of evenhandedness, portraying characters who strive for fairness in the face of adversity.
Classic novels often depict a struggle for evenhandedness in social scenarios, illustrating the moral dilemmas faced by characters.

Origin of 'evenhandedness'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from 'even', meaning equal or fair, and 'handedness', which relates to giving or being able to do things with both hands.
It first appeared in English literature in the 19th century, reflecting the growing importance of fairness in society.

The term 'evenhandedness' originated in the late 19th century and is derived from the combination of 'even,' meaning equal or level, and 'handed,' implying fairness or impartiality. The concept of evenhandedness has been valued across various cultures and societies as a fundamental principle of justice and fairness.