nonconservatively
|non-con-ser-va-tive-ly|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑn.kənˈsɜr.və.tɪv.li/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒn.kənˈsɜː.və.tɪv.li/
(nonconservative)
not in a conservative way
Etymology
'nonconservatively' originates from Modern English, specifically formed from the prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non' meaning 'not'), the adjective 'conservative' (from Latin 'conservativus' ultimately from 'conservare' meaning 'to preserve'), and the adverbial suffix '-ly' (from Old English '-lic' meaning 'like').
'nonconservatively' is a modern formation: 'conservare' in Latin produced Old French and Middle English forms meaning 'to preserve'; from these developed the adjective 'conservative' in Modern English, and the negative prefix 'non-' plus '-ly' produced 'nonconservatively' to mean 'not in a conservative way'.
Initially, the root ('conservare') meant 'to preserve' and 'conservative' came to mean 'favoring preservation or tradition'; over time the negative formation 'nonconservatively' developed to mean 'not preserving' or more commonly 'not cautious/traditional' in behavior or judgment.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner that rejects or does not follow conservative principles or traditions (often used about political, social, or cultural positions).
The party positioned itself nonconservatively on several social issues during the campaign.
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Adverb 2
in a not cautious or not prudential way; taking greater risks or making less cautious (more optimistic) estimates or choices.
The analyst prepared the forecast nonconservatively, assuming rapid market growth.
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Adverb 3
in a way that does not conserve a physical quantity (used in scientific contexts to describe nonconservative forces or processes).
The model treated the interaction nonconservatively, allowing net energy change over the cycle.
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Last updated: 2025/10/22 16:18