non-representational
|non-rep-re-sen-ta-tion-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑnˌrɛprɪzənˈteɪʃənəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒnˌrɛprɪz(ə)nˈteɪʃ(ə)nəl/
not depicting real objects
Etymology
'non-representational' is formed in modern English by combining the prefix 'non-' (meaning 'not') with 'representational' (from 'representation'). 'non-' originates from Latin 'non' meaning 'not', and 'representational' ultimately derives from Latin 'repraesentare' meaning 'to present again'.
'representational' evolved into English via Old French and Middle English from Latin 'repraesentatio/repraesentare'; the adjectival form 'representational' became common in English, and the negated compound 'non-representational' arose in the 19th–20th century, especially in art criticism describing abstract art.
Initially related to 'representation' in the sense of portraying or standing in for something; over time, 'non-representational' came to mean specifically 'not depicting recognizable objects', particularly in modern art and abstract contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to art or visual work that does not depict recognisable objects, figures, or scenes; abstract rather than figurative.
The gallery's new exhibition features non-representational paintings that emphasize color and texture over recognizable subjects.
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Adjective 2
not intended to represent or stand for a particular thing; lacking representational function in a non-art context (e.g., symbolic systems or models that are conceptual rather than literal).
The schematic is deliberately non-representational, focusing on relationships rather than precise physical layout.
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Last updated: 2025/09/09 06:25