Noncriminal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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noncriminal
[nɒnˈkrɪm.ɪ.nəl ]
Definition
general use
The term 'noncriminal' refers to an individual or behavior that is not associated with or does not involve crime. It is often used to describe situations, actions, or people who operate within the bounds of the law.
Synonyms
innocent, law-abiding.
Examples of usage
- She has a noncriminal background.
- The noncriminal activities at the community center promote unity.
- His noncriminal action during the incident was commendable.
Translations
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Origin of 'noncriminal'
The term 'noncriminal' is formed by the prefix 'non-', meaning 'not', combined with the word 'criminal', which derives from the Latin 'criminis' meaning 'of a crime'. The prefix 'non-' is used in English to create new words that indicate negation or absence of the root term. Thus, 'noncriminal' directly means 'not criminal', establishing a contrasting relationship to the behaviors, acts, or individuals that are classified as criminal. The use of 'noncriminal' has grown in legal and social contexts to distinguish between lawful actions and unlawful behaviors. Its popularity in discussions surrounding crime prevention, rehabilitation, and behavior assessment reflects a broader societal interest in understanding and categorizing human actions beyond the binary of crime and legality.