nonclerical
|non-cler-i-cal|
🇺🇸
/nɑnˈklɛrɪkəl/
🇬🇧
/nɒnˈklɛrɪkəl/
not clerical
Etymology
'nonclerical' originates from English, specifically formed from the prefix 'non-' and the adjective 'clerical', where 'non-' meant 'not' and 'clerical' derived from Latin 'clericus' meaning 'clergyman'.
'nonclerical' was formed in Modern English by combining the negative prefix 'non-' with 'clerical' (which came into English via Old French 'clerical' from Latin 'clericus'), resulting in the modern English word 'nonclerical'.
Initially it meant 'not belonging to the clergy', but over time the sense broadened to include 'not relating to office or administrative work' as well.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not clerical; not pertaining to the clergy or religious officials.
The committee is composed of nonclerical members.
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Adjective 2
not relating to clerical work or office administration; not involving routine office/administrative tasks.
He was hired for a nonclerical position that required fieldwork.
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Last updated: 2025/10/21 05:06