Nontechnical

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Not characteristic of specialized expertise and jargon
2. Relating to language or knowledge that does not require specialized training or familiarity with technical terms
3. Describing information or explanations that can be understood without needing expert background or technical vocabulary

Etymology: "Nontechnical" is a plain formation: the prefix "non-" attached to "technical," meaning "not technical." The prefix comes from Old English "nān," meaning "not one" or "none," which is itself built from "ne" (not) and "ān" (one). Over the centuries that negating sense spread into a productive prefix, so English can attach "non-" to almost any word to mean "not" that thing. "Technical" traces to Greek "technikos," relating to art or craft, from "technē," meaning skill or art. In English it has long described specialised practical knowledge, the terminology of a trade or science. Adding "non-" gives the sense of language or information that lacks that specialised vocabulary, so it can be followed by a general reader without expert background.

Synonyms: layman, general, unprofessional, simple, basic

Antonyms: technical, specialized, professional, expert, advanced