Impartial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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impartial

[ɪmˈpɑːrʃəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in decision making

Treating all sides equally, without being biased or prejudiced.

Synonyms

fair, neutral, objective, unbiased.

Examples of usage

  • He was praised for his impartial handling of the dispute.
  • She tried to remain impartial during the trial.
  • The judge's impartiality was crucial in ensuring a fair trial.
Context #2 | Adjective

in news reporting

Not favoring one side over another, presenting all perspectives fairly.

Synonyms

even-handed, unbiased, unprejudiced.

Examples of usage

  • The journalist was known for her impartial reporting.
  • It is important for the media to be impartial in their coverage of events.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Law

  • Judges are expected to be impartial so that all parties in a trial receive a fair hearing.
  • In many legal systems, the right to an impartial tribunal is a fundamental human right, ensuring justice for all.
  • Impartiality is crucial in jury selection, where potential jurors are screened to avoid biases that might affect their judgment.

Journalism

  • Impartial reporting is a cornerstone of ethical journalism, ensuring news is presented fairly and without bias.
  • Many news organizations strive for impartiality to build trust with audiences, often using fact-checking and diverse perspectives.
  • The phrase 'objective journalism' is closely linked to the concept of impartiality, aiming to inform rather than persuade.

Psychology

  • Being impartial can reduce cognitive biases, leading to more thoughtful decision-making.
  • Impartial individuals are often more effective mediators, as they can navigate conflicts without personal prejudice.
  • Research indicates that impartiality can enhance problem-solving skills by allowing individuals to consider multiple viewpoints.

Origin of 'impartial'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'impartial' comes from the Old French 'impartiel,' which means not sharing, from Latin 'impartialis.'
  • It combines the prefix 'im-' meaning 'not' with 'partial,' which derives from 'partialis,' meaning 'of or belonging to part.'
  • The concept has roots in legal terminology, evolving over centuries to emphasize fairness in judgments.

The word 'impartial' originated from the Old French word 'impartial', which meant 'not partial'. The prefix 'im-' denotes 'not', while 'partial' comes from the Latin word 'partialis', meaning 'biased'. Over time, 'impartial' evolved to its current usage in the English language, emphasizing fairness and lack of bias in various contexts.


See also: partiality, partials.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,180 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.