non-directionally
|non-di-rec-tion-al-ly|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑn.dəˈrɛk.ʃən.əl/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒn.dəˈrɛk.ʃən.əl/
(non-directional)
lacking specific direction
Etymology
'non-directionally' originates from English, formed from the prefix 'non-' and the adjective 'directional'; 'non-' (from Latin 'non') meant 'not', while 'directional' derives from Latin 'directio' / 'directus' (relating to 'straight' or 'to guide').
'non-directionally' was created by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'non-directional' (itself a modern compound of 'non-' + 'directional'). 'Directional' traces back through Middle English/Old French to Latin 'directio' and 'directus'.
Initially the root 'direction' in Latin meant 'a guiding, a straight course'; over time the compounds with 'non-' and '-ly' have been used transparently to mean 'not in a particular direction' with little change in core meaning.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being non-directional; lack of directionality.
The non-directionality of the field simplified the measurements.
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Adjective 1
adjective form meaning 'not directional' (base form of the adverb).
The antenna has a non-directional radiation pattern.
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Adverb 1
in a manner that does not have or indicate a particular direction; without directionality.
The spray was dispersed non-directionally.
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Last updated: 2025/12/10 07:36