Nonperson: meaning, definitions and examples

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nonperson

[ˈnɒnpɜːsən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

legal term

A term used to describe entities that are not individuals, such as corporations, governments, or other organizations.

Synonyms

corporation, entity, organization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nonperson	The word 'nonperson' is used in a negative or dehumanizing context to describe someone who is treated as if they do not exist or have no significance. In the totalitarian regime, dissenters were often rendered nonpersons, erased from all records.
entity	Entity is a more formal term used to describe something that exists as a single and complete unit. It can refer to organizations, companies, governments, and other formal groups. The new regulations apply to any legal entity operating within the country.
organization	This word is used to describe a structured group of people working together to achieve common goals, such as businesses, non-profits, clubs, and associations. She was a key figure in the organization that promotes literacy among children in rural areas.
corporation	This term is used in a business context to refer to a large company or group of companies authorized to act as a single entity and recognized as such in law. The corporation announced its new sustainability strategy at the annual shareholders' meeting.

Examples of usage

Nonperson entities are subject to different regulations than individuals.
Corporations are considered nonpersons under the law.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

philosophical concept

The idea of a being that lacks personhood or legal recognition.

Synonyms

non-being, subhuman, unrecognized entity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nonperson	Used when referring to someone who is ignored or ostracized by society or an institution, often deliberately made to seem nonexistent or insignificant. After the scandal, he became a nonperson in the political arena. She felt like a nonperson in her own family after the dispute.
non-being	Refers to a state of non-existence, used in philosophical or metaphysical discussions about existence and reality. The concept of non-being is central to some Eastern philosophies. He meditated on the nature of being and non-being.
subhuman	Has a negative connotation, used to describe someone as less than human, often in a dehumanizing or derogatory way. The prisoners were treated in subhuman conditions. Such derogatory language devalues people by calling them subhuman.
unrecognized entity	Refers to an individual or group that is not acknowledged or officially recognized, often used in legal, diplomatic, or bureaucratic contexts. The rebels acted as an unrecognized entity, receiving no formal support. Certain cultural groups remain unrecognized entities within the political system.

Examples of usage

In some dystopian novels, nonpersons are stripped of their rights and treated as subhuman.
The concept of nonperson challenges traditional notions of identity and agency.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The prefix 'non-' means 'not' or 'without', and when combined with 'person', it signifies a lack of individuality or recognition.
The term 'nonperson' originated in the 19th century, gradually evolving in its social implications.
Earlier usage in legal contexts identified individuals who lacked legal rights, especially in matters of citizenship and personhood.

Social Issues

The term highlights the struggles of marginalized communities, including the homeless, refugees, and disenfranchised groups who may be seen as 'nonpersons'.
In discussions about human rights, the label 'nonperson' can illustrate how society can dehumanize individuals through bureaucratic systems.
Critics argue that labeling someone as a nonperson can perpetuate further marginalization and violence against already vulnerable populations.

Literature

In various literary works, characters described as nonpersons often reflect broader societal neglect or absence of identity.
The use of the term in dystopian literature serves to evoke the fear of losing individuality and recognition in a conformist society.
Notable authors, like George Orwell, have utilized the concept to critique totalitarian regimes that reduce people to mere statistics.

Psychology

From a psychological perspective, being viewed as a nonperson can lead to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and depression.
Studies suggest that recognition and validation are crucial for mental health, as individuals perceived as nonpersons may face emotional distress.
The 'nonperson' experience can contribute to a cycle of social withdrawal, as individuals may feel unwanted or invisible.

Popular Culture

Films and television often explore themes of anonymity and existence through characters who feel like nonpersons in their environments.
The term has resurged in discussions of technology and social media, where individuals can feel lost among millions of voices.
Popular songs sometimes reflect on the feeling of being a nonperson, tapping into universal insecurities about identity and belonging.

Translations

Translations of the word "nonperson" in other languages:

🇵🇹 não pessoa

🇮🇳 गैर-व्यक्ति

🇩🇪 Nichtperson

🇮🇩 bukan orang

🇺🇦 неособа

🇵🇱 nieosoba

🇯🇵 非人物

🇫🇷 non-personne

🇪🇸 no persona

🇹🇷 kişi olmayan

🇰🇷 비인물

🇸🇦 غير شخص

🇨🇿 neosoba

🇸🇰 neosoba

🇨🇳 非人

🇸🇮 neoseba

🇮🇸 ekki einstaklingur

🇰🇿 адам емес

🇬🇪 არადამიანი

🇦🇿 şəxs olmayan

🇲🇽 no persona