non-market
UK[ˌnɒn ˈmɑːkɪt]US[ˌnɑːn ˈmɑːrkɪt]
adj
Not involving or relating to a free market or commercial activity.
adj
Not determined by or operating according to market forces.
Morpheme Breakdown
non
market
non
not
market
commercial system
Etymology
The word "non-market" is a modern English compound formed by directly combining the negative prefix "non-" with the noun "market." The prefix "non-" originates from the Latin adverb non, meaning "not," which itself is derived from the Old Latin noenum, a compound of ne- (not) and oinom (one). The core noun "market" has a long journey from the Latin mercatus (trade, a marketplace), related to merx (merchandise). The compound "non-market" logically constructs its meaning by negating the core concept of commercial exchange, creating a term used in economics and policy to describe activities, systems, or values operating outside the sphere of competitive buying and selling.
Analysis
Structure: non (not) + market (commercial system)
- non: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "not." It functions as a negative or privative particle.
- market: A noun of Latin origin (via Old North French and Old English), from Latin mercatus (trade, marketplace). It functions as the core noun denoting commercial activity.
Examples
The government provides non-market housing for low-income families.
Their decision was based on non-market values like environmental protection.
Economists study the interaction between market and non-market sectors.