Nonparents

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Individuals who are not guardians or caregivers of a child or children
2. Those who do not fulfill the parental role or responsibilities within a family structure
3. Persons lacking the biological or legal ties to a child, and who do not engage in parenting activities

Etymology: "Nonparents" is the plural of "nonparent", which is formed from the prefix "non-" meaning "not" attached to "parent". The prefix comes from Latin "non", meaning "not", and it has been productive in English for centuries, allowing speakers to build a negated counterpart to almost any noun. "Parent" itself traces back through Old French to Latin "parens", a word for a father or mother, from the verb "parere", meaning "to bring forth" or "produce". The combination produces a term for people who fill a role other than parenthood, such as relatives, teachers, or neighbours who spend time with children without being their guardians. Because "non-" can be attached freely, the word works as a neutral, somewhat technical label rather than a traditional term with a long history of its own.