What does nonpolitical mean?
Nonpolitical is an adjective describing something that is not connected with politics, political parties, or partisan interests. It is often used for organizations that seek to work across political divisions, as well as for discussions, questions, and issues that are treated outside the framework of party politics. The word can suggest independence and neutrality, although it does not always imply indifference to public affairs: an activity may be nonpolitical in its approach while still having important social or political consequences. In British and American English, the standard form is “nonpolitical,” although “apolitical” and “nonpartisan” are related alternatives with somewhat different emphasis. The adverb form is “nonpolitically.”
adjectiveNot political or connected with politics; not influenced by party politics or partisan concerns.
- Not political, connected with politics, or governed by partisan interests.
"The foundation aims to remain nonpolitical while addressing important social issues."
"The charity maintained a nonpolitical position on several controversial issues."
"Their discussion focused on nonpolitical aspects of the proposed policy."
Nonpolitical means the subject may matter deeply to public life without being owned by a political party.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nonpolitical come from?
The word combines the English prefix non-, meaning “not,” with political. “Political” entered English through Latin and ultimately relates to Greek roots concerning the citizen or city-state. The prefixed form has long been used to describe matters, activities, and institutions considered separate from party politics.
Related word forms
How nonpolitical is actually used
Commonly used of organizations, activities, discussions, and issues. It can indicate a deliberate avoidance of party politics, but it does not necessarily mean indifference to public policy or social conditions.
Easily confused with nonpolitical
Both words mean outside or beyond conventional party politics, although “apolitical” often suggests that a subject is not inherently political, whereas “nonpolitical” more directly states that something is not connected with political concerns.