An opposition between two linguistic elements is neutralized in a particular context iff either or both of the elements are excluded from that context. In the context of neutralization, one of the following alternatives happens:

1. only one member of the opposition appears (in which case the opposition is neutralized in favor of that element)
2. the members of the opposition appear as variants of each other
3. a third element appears (which may or may not be similar to the elements which are expected).

Example of #1: English /p/ and /b/ contrast in most positions, but the opposition is neutralized - in favor of /p/ - after syllable-initial /s/.