Nonconformities

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The presence of deviations from established norms or standards in behavior or practices; acts of refusal to adhere to accepted conventions; occurrences of individual expressions that challenge societal expectations
2. Instances where an individual or group does not conform to commonly accepted rules or behaviors; actions that display a rejection of traditional norms; unique variations that stand apart from mainstream practices
3. Manifestations of behaviors or traits that diverge from societal or organizational norms; acts of noncompliance with conventional expectations; elements reflecting individualism against the backdrop of uniformity

Etymology: The plural "nonconformities" is simply the plural of "nonconformity," a noun built from the prefix "non-," meaning "not," and "conformity," which comes from the Latin "conformitas," shaping or agreeing with a pattern. Put together, "nonconformity" describes the state of not following a prevailing standard, and its plural names the individual instances of that refusal. The prefix does most of the work here. English has long attached "non-" to nouns to negate them, producing terms such as "nonexistence" or "nonpayment," and "nonconformity" follows the same pattern. The base word "conformity" ultimately draws on a Latin root meaning "form" or "shape," so the plain sense of the whole word is "not shaped to match."

Synonyms: deviations, irregularities

Antonyms: conformities, uniformities