Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Not conforming to established customs or doctrines, especially in religion: Describes a person, belief, or behavior that rejects or does not follow the traditional, accepted practices or teachings of a group, particularly a religious institution.
   • Not conforming to some norm or socially approved pattern of behavior or thought: Describes a person or attitude that challenges or refuses to follow the prevailing social norms, conventions, or expectations.

2. Noun:

   • Someone who refuses to conform to established standards of conduct: A person who deliberately acts or thinks differently from the majority or from established rules.
   • (Historical, often capitalized) A Protestant in England who is not a member of the Church of England: A member of a Protestant sect that, from the 17th century onward, dissented from the doctrines and practices of the established Anglican Church.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • Her nonconformist views on education made her a controversial figure.
  • The artist led a nonconformist lifestyle, rejecting material wealth.
• Noun:
  • He was a nonconformist who challenged every company policy.
  • Historically, many Nonconformists faced persecution for their beliefs.

Advanced Usage

• As a collective noun (often capitalized): Refers to the group of Protestant dissenters from the Church of England.
  • The rights of Nonconformists were expanded in the 19th century.
• In a secular, modern context: Used to describe anyone who rejects mainstream ideas in any field (art, politics, fashion).
  • The designer is a true nonconformist in the world of haute couture.

Variants and Related Words

• Nonconformity (noun): The state or practice of being a nonconformist; failure or refusal to conform.
  • His nonconformity was evident in his unconventional career choices.
• Nonconforming (adjective): Another adjective form with the same meaning.
  • Nonconforming behavior is sometimes a sign of creativity.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Unconventional, dissenting, heterodox, maverick, iconoclastic.
• Noun: Dissenter, rebel, individualist, freethinker, heretic (in religious context).

Antonyms

• Adjective/Noun: Conformist, traditionalist, orthodox, follower.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A lone nonconformist: Emphasizes someone standing entirely alone against convention.
  • In the meeting, she was a lone nonconformist, voting against the popular proposal.
• Spirit of nonconformity: Refers to the attitude or principle of challenging norms.
  • The spirit of nonconformity drove the scientific revolution.

Adjective

1. not conforming to established customs or doctrines especially in religion
2. not conforming to some norm or socially approved pattern of behavior or thought
   • their rabidly nonconformist deportment has made them legendary
   • the old stubborn nonconformist spirit of the early settlers

Noun

1. someone who refuses to conform to established standards of conduct
2. a Protestant in England who is not a member of the Church of England