non-executive
UK[ˌnɒn ɪɡˈzekjʊtɪv]US[ˌnɑːn ɪɡˈzekjətɪv]
adj
(of a director in a company) not having responsibility for the day-to-day management of the company
n
a member of a company's board of directors who is not an employee of the company and is involved in decision-making and giving advice but not in managing daily operations
Morpheme Breakdown
non
executive
non
not
executive
managing
Etymology
The word is a modern compound formed within English. The prefix "non-," derived from Latin non meaning "not," is a highly productive negator in English. It is attached to "executive," a term which entered English via Middle French executif from the Medieval Latin executivus, itself from the past participle stem exsecut- of the Latin verb exsequi (to follow out, pursue, accomplish). The literal morphemic construction "not managing" directly and logically yields the modern, specific corporate meaning: describing a director who is part of the governing board but stands apart from the active, day-to-day managerial duties.
Analysis
Structure: non (not) + executive (managing)
- non: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "not." It functions as a negative or privative element.
- executive: From Latin exsequi (to follow out, carry out). In this compound, it functions as the base noun/adjective meaning "relating to the management or carrying out of plans."
Examples
She serves as a non-executive director on the board of a major bank.
The role of the non-executive chairman is to oversee board meetings and ensure good governance.
The committee is composed of three executive and two non-executive members.