nondirectional
|non-di-rec-tion-al|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑn.dəˈrɛk.ʃə.nəl/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒn.dəˈrɛk.ʃən.əl/
not having a direction
Etymology
'nondirectional' originates from English, specifically the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and the adjective 'directional' (from 'direction' + suffix '-al').
'directional' comes from the noun 'direction', which derives from Latin 'directio' (from 'dirigere' meaning 'to direct'). The negative form 'non-' has been used in English to form adjectives meaning 'not X', producing 'nondirectional' as 'not directional'.
Initially formed by combining 'non-' + 'directional' to mean 'not directional'; it has retained that basic negative meaning while also acquiring technical senses (e.g., 'not favoring any direction').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not having or showing a specific or definite direction; lacking directionality.
The policy statement was criticized as nondirectional and gave no clear guidance.
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Adjective 2
(Technical) Not favoring any particular direction; radiating or operating equally in all directions (akin to 'omnidirectional' or 'isotropic' in some contexts).
The radar used a nondirectional antenna to scan the entire horizon.
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Last updated: 2025/09/26 00:39