nonmilitary
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˌɒnmˈɪlɪtərɪ/
US
- /nɑnˈmɪləˌtɛri/
Description
- Not related to the armed forces
- civilian
- peaceful
"Nonmilitary" describes anything that is not connected with the armed forces, war, or defense work. Think of it as life outside that world. You might read about nonmilitary aid after a disaster, a nonmilitary answer to a political problem, or a nonmilitary airport used by ordinary travelers. The word usually points to civilian life and peaceful action rather than fighting.
The word "nonmilitary" refers to anything that does not belong to the armed forces or to warfare. It is used to separate military things from civilian ones. Picture a busy city: even if one part of it helps support national defense, most of daily life is nonmilitary - schools opening in the morning, buses running on time, doctors at work, and shops welcoming customers.
You'll often see "nonmilitary" in discussions about aid, government, travel, and public life. After a natural disaster, for example, a country may send nonmilitary help such as doctors, rescue workers, or food supplies. In the same way, a leader might call for a nonmilitary solution to a crisis, meaning they want talks, agreements, or other peaceful steps instead of force.
The term can also describe people who are not serving in the armed forces. "Nonmilitary personnel" usually means civilians or staff members in a setting that also includes military workers. Sometimes you will also see "non-military" with a hyphen. Both forms are used, though "nonmilitary" is common in modern writing.
So, when you hear "nonmilitary," think of the parts of life that are not about soldiers, weapons, or war. It is a word for civilian activity, peaceful purpose, and everyday work that continues outside armed conflict.
Examples
- 1
Base staff
The base also employs nonmilitary staff, including cooks, nurses, and mechanics.
- 2
Humanitarian aid
The organization sends food, medicine, and other nonmilitary aid to the region.
- 3
Treaty limits
The treaty allows the island to be used for nonmilitary purposes only.
- 4
Civilian language
After leaving the army, he found it hard to describe his skills in nonmilitary terms.
- 5
Policy choices
The president said the government was still considering nonmilitary options.
Phrase
nonmilitary options
choices such as talks, sanctions, or aid instead of fighting
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- nonmilitaryadjective