Word
non
US/ˈnɑn/
UK/nˈɒn/
Definitions
01not
adv. used to mean 'not' before an adjective, though it is usually written as a prefix with a hyphen.
adv. used as a non-standard or informal negator of a following adjective; standard usage typically requires the prefix 'non-'.
“The manager said the price was non negotiable.”
“In casual correspondence, he often used 'non' as a standalone adverb to negate adjectives, though his formal reports strictly followed standard hyphenation rules.”
Informal
Usage
Usually functions as a prefix rather than a standalone adverb in formal writing.
Pitfall
The rules are non negotiable.
The rules are non-negotiable.
In standard English, 'non' is a prefix and should be attached to the word with a hyphen, not written as a separate word.
Synonyms
02a non-Muslim
n. a person who is not a Muslim.
n. a colloquial term used to refer to a citizen who does not practice Islam.
“The restaurant serves both Muslims and nons.”
“The local policy was designed to ensure that nons were afforded the same protections as the majority of the population during the festival.”
Dialect · Slang
Teaching tip
This usage is specific to certain regions, particularly Malaysia and Singapore; it may be considered insensitive or overly reductive in other English-speaking contexts.
Antonyms
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/non