gender-neutral
UK[ˈdʒendə njuːtrəl]US[ˈdʒendər nuːtrəl]
adj
Not specific to, or suitable for, only one gender; applicable to or used by people of any gender.
adj
Deliberately avoiding language or policies that discriminate on the basis of gender, especially by not distinguishing between male and female.
Morpheme Breakdown
gender
neutral
gender
neutral
not taking sides
Etymology
The word is a modern English compound, formed by directly combining two established English words: 'gender' and 'neutral'. 'Gender' entered English from Old French 'gendre', itself from Latin 'genus', which broadly meant 'kind' or 'type'. Its specific application to social and biological sex categories solidified in the 20th century. 'Neutral' derives from Latin 'neutralis', meaning 'of neuter gender' or 'impartial', from 'neuter' (neither). The compound 'gender-neutral' emerged in the late 20th century, primarily in sociological and linguistic contexts, to describe language, policies, or designs that do not favor, specify, or discriminate based on gender. Its logic is transparent: applying a stance of impartiality ('neutral') specifically within the realm of gender classification.
Analysis
Structure: gender + neutral
- gender (Latin via Old French): The morpheme 'gender' originates from Latin 'genus' (birth, family, kind). In this compound, it functions as the core noun specifying the domain (male/female/other distinctions).
- neutral (Latin): The morpheme 'neutral' originates from Latin 'neuter' (neither of two). In this compound, it functions as an adjective meaning 'not taking sides' or 'not aligned with either extreme'.
Examples
Many parents now choose gender-neutral names for their babies.
The company introduced gender-neutral restrooms on every floor.
Using "they" as a singular pronoun is a common gender-neutral practice.