Non-
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈnɒn/
Origin 1
From Latin non, from Old Latin noenu, noenum, from neoenum ("not one"). See none.
Full definition of non-
Prefix
- Used in the sense of not, to negate the meaning of the word to which it is prefixed.
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. (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.
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
Related terms
Pronunciation
Origin 2
From Latin nona ("nine").
Prefix
- Form of