Nonjudgmental

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Accepting of others' choices and behaviors without criticism or disapproval
2. Adopting a stance that is open and tolerant towards people's actions and opinions without offering critique or forming negative assessments
3. Maintaining an attitude of impartiality that allows for understanding and acceptance of diverse lifestyles and decisions without casting judgment

Etymology: "Nonjudgmental" is a plain English compound, built from the prefix "non-" placed in front of "judgmental." The prefix comes from Middle English "non," which in turn descends from Old English "nān," meaning "not one" or "no one." Its job here is simply negation, so the word means "not judgmental," or free from criticism. "Judgmental" is itself a formation from "judgment" and the adjective-forming suffix "-al," which passed into English through Old French from Latin "-ālis." "Judgment" traces back through Old French to Latin roots connected with judging and decision-making. Because "judgmental" was already established in English, "nonjudgmental" was built by stacking one negation on top of an existing adjective, a pattern English speakers use freely.

Synonyms: open-minded, tolerant, accepting

Antonyms: judgmental, critical