anticonformist
|an-ti-con-form-ist|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.ti.kənˈfɔr.mɪst/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.ti.kənˈfɔː.mɪst/
against conformity
Etymology
'anticonformist' originates from Modern English, formed by the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') joined to the noun 'conformist' (from 'conform' + agent suffix '-ist').
'conform' comes from Latin 'conformare' ('con-' meaning 'together' + 'formare' meaning 'to form'), passed into Old French as 'conformer' and into Middle English as 'conformen' before becoming Modern English 'conform'; 'conformist' was formed by adding '-ist' to 'conform', and 'anticonformist' combines 'anti-' + 'conformist'.
Initially, roots like 'conform' related to 'making into the same form' (to shape or adapt); over time 'conform' came to mean 'comply with rules or norms', and 'anticonformist' developed to mean 'opposed to conformity' or 'nonconforming person/attitude'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who opposes or rejects social conformity; someone who deliberately behaves or thinks differently from accepted norms.
She has always been an anticonformist, refusing to follow popular trends.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
opposing or not following established customs, conventions, or norms; marked by nonconformity.
His anticonformist attitudes made him unpopular in the traditional workplace.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/29 21:50