non-conventional
UK[ˌnɒnkənˈvɛnʃənəl]US[ˌnɑːnkənˈvɛnʃənəl]
adj
Not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed; not conventional.
Morpheme Breakdown
non
conventional
non
not
conventional
based on custom
Etymology
The word is a modern English compound formed by adding the negative prefix "non-" to the adjective "conventional." "Conventional" itself stems from the Latin 'conventio,' meaning "a meeting or agreement," derived from 'convenire' (to come together, agree). The prefix "non-" is a straightforward borrowing from Latin, used to form negatives. Thus, "non-conventional" logically constructs its meaning by directly negating "conventional," describing something that does not come together with or agree with established customs, practices, or beliefs.
Analysis
Structure: non (not) + conventional (based on custom)
- non: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "not." It functions as a negative particle.
- conventional: An adjective of Latin origin, from 'convention-' (agreement, meeting) + '-al' (pertaining to). It functions as the base word meaning "based on or following tradition, custom, or agreement."
Examples
The artist is known for her non-conventional use of materials in her sculptures.
They adopted a non-conventional approach to solving the energy crisis.
The book challenges readers with its non-conventional narrative structure.