nontraditional
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: - Not conforming to or in accord with tradition: Describes something that does not follow established customs, beliefs, or methods that have been passed down over time.
Usage
The adjective "nontraditional" is used to modify a noun, directly indicating that the noun it describes deviates from conventional or long-accepted norms. It is the standard antonym of "traditional."
Examples
- The university welcomed nontraditional students, such as those returning to education after years in the workforce.
- Their marriage ceremony was nontraditional, featuring personalized vows instead of standard religious texts.
- The company is known for its nontraditional approach to marketing, using viral social media campaigns instead of television ads.
Advanced Usage
- In compound adjectives: While "nontraditional" itself is a single word, it can form part of a hyphenated compound adjective when combined with another word to describe a specific concept (e.g., ). Note that the core meaning of "not conforming to tradition" remains centered on "nontraditional."
- As a contrast to "traditional": Often used in comparative or contrastive contexts to highlight innovation or change.
- The debate centered on traditional versus nontraditional teaching methods.
Variants and Related Words
- Untraditional (adjective): A less common synonym with the same meaning.
- Nontraditionally (adverb): In a manner that is not traditional.
- The role was performed nontraditionally by a female actor.
Synonyms
- Unconventional
- Innovative (when emphasizing newness over opposition to tradition)
- Progressive
- Alternative
Antonyms
- Traditional
- Conventional
- Orthodox
- Customary
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Break with tradition: An idiom describing a deliberate move away from traditional ways.
- The designer's new collection was a clear break with tradition.
- Outside the box: An informal phrase for thinking or acting in an unconventional way, which can describe a nontraditional approach.
Adjective
- not conforming to or in accord with tradition
- nontraditional designs
- nontraditional practices