Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “nonconformist” come from?

Nonconformist derives from English conform, Latin con- and forma (from Ancient Greek μορφή meaning shape), plus Latin -ista denoting an adherent, creating one who resists standard form.

nonconformist (English): A member of a church separated from the Church of...

Definitions

  1. A member of a church separated from the Church of...

Ancestry of “nonconformist”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishconformistSomeone who tries to conform to the mainstream;...
2EnglishconformTo act in accordance with expectations; to behave...
3Middle Englishconformen
4LatinconformoI form, fashion or shape; I outline or describe
5Latincōn-—
6Latincumwith, along with; at; -fold
7Old LatincomAlternative form of cum
8Proto-Italickomwith, along, at
9Proto-Indo-Europeanḱómbeside, near, by, with
10Proto-Indo-EuropeanḱeDeictic particle, here; Post-positional...
11Middle Englishkyt—
12Germankitt—
13Old High Germankuti—
14Proto-West Germanickwidugum, resin
15Proto-Germanickweduzresin
16Proto-Indo-Europeangʷet-resin, gum; to say, speak
17Proto-Indo-Europeangū-to bend; curve; arch; vault; to bow, bend, arch,...
Every word from Proto-Indo-European gū- →