Non-

English

Etymology 1

From Latin non, from Old Latin noenu, noenum, from neoenum (“not one”). See none.

Prefix

Non-

1. Used in the sense of not, to negate the meaning of the word to which it is prefixed.

Notes

Usage notes

The prefix non- may be joined to a word by means of a hyphen, which is standard in British usage. In many cases, especially in American usage, non is joined without a hyphen, but a hyphen is preferred if its absence would obscure the understanding or pronunciation of the word. (For example, nonbaseball is relatively common, but noncricket — referring to a primarily British sport — is rare.) Some non- words rarely or never use a hyphen (such as nonentity). Unlike un-, non- tends to suggest an absolute negation without the possibility of shades of comparison. For example, "more unkind" sounds quite natural, but "more nonhelpful" does not. Non meaning not in phrases taken from Latin and some other languages, non is a separate word and is not hyphenated. Examples: non compos mentis, persona non grata. As non- is a living prefix, the list of words having the prefix non- is practically unlimited. It is particularly common in the sciences. Non- may be attached to nouns, verbs, adjectives or adverbs to negate their meaning.

Derived terms

    Derived terms

non-attention, nonattention nonconducting nonconforming nonconformity nonconsecutive nonconstructive noncontagious noncontinuous noncontributing noncontributory noncontroversial nonconvertible noncooperation noncorroding noncorrosive noncredit noncriminal noncritical noncrystalline noncumulative noncustodial nondairy nondelivery nondemocratic nondepartmental nondepreciating nondestructive nondetachable non-detected nondisciplinary nondisclosure nondiscrimination nondiscriminatory nondramatic nondrinker nondrying noneducational nonelastic

nonelectric nonelectrical nonenforceable nonentity nonequivalent nonexchangeable nonexempt nonexplosive nonfactual nonfading nonfat nonfattening nonfictional nonflowering nonfluctuating nonflying nonfood nonfreezing nonfunctional nongovernmental nongranular nonhazardous nonhereditary nonhuman nonidentical noninclusive nonindependent nonindustrial noninfectious noninflammatory noninflationary noninflected nonintellectual noninterchangeable noninterference nonintervention nonintoxicating noninvasive

nonirritating nonjudicial nonlegal nonliterary nonliving nonmagnetic nonmalignant nonmetallic nonmigratable nonmigratory nonmilitant nonmilitary nonnarcotic nonnative nonnuclear nonnumerical nonobjective nonobligatory nonobservant nonoccupational nonoccurence nonofficial nonoperational nonoperative nonparallel nonparticipant nonparticipating nonpaying nonperforming nonperson nonphysical nonpoisonous nonpolitical nonpolluting nonporous nonpracticing nonprejudicial nonprescription nonproductive

nonprofessional nonprofitable nonproliferation nonpublic nonpunishable nonracial nonradioactive nonrandom nonreactive nonreciprocal nonreciprocating nonrecognition nonrecoverable nonrecurring nonredeemable nonrefillable nonrefundable nonreligious nonrenewable nonrepresentational nonresident nonresidential nonresidual nonresistance nonresistant nonrestrictive nonreturnable nonrhythmic nonsalaried nonscheduled nonscientific nonscoring nonseasonal nonsecular nonsegregated nonsensitive nonsexist nonsexual

nonskid nonslip nonsocial nonspecialist nonspecializing nonspiritual nonstaining nonstick nonstrategic nonstriking nonstructural nonsuccessive nonsuit nonsupport nonsupporting nonsurgical nonsustaining nonsympathizer nontarnishable nontaxable nontechnical nontenured nontheatrical nonthinking nonthreatening nontraditional nontransferable nontransparent nontropical nonuniform non-union nonunion nonuser nonviable nonvirulent nonvocal nonvocational nonworking

Related terms

Related terms

an- anti-

in- no

non none

not un-

Translations

Not

Armenian: ոչ (hy) (oč), չ- (hy) (č-), ան- (hy) (an-) Czech: ne- (cs), mimo- (cs) Finnish: ei- (fi), epä- (fi) Greek: μη (el)

Irish: mí- (ga), neamh- (ga) Polish: nie- Russian: не- (ru) Scottish Gaelic: mì- (gd), neo- (gd)

Etymology 2

From Latin nona (“nine”).

Prefix

Non-

1. Prevocalic form of nona-.

Derived terms

• nonad
• nonet
• nonuplet