nonconformist
non-kuhn-FORM-ist
/ˌnɒnkənˈfɔːmɪst/
A person whose behavior or views do not conform to prevailing ideas or practices.
Often implies a deliberate choice to be different, sometimes for religious or artistic reasons.
The story behind the word. Literally 'not shaped with' others. It originally referred to English Protestants in the 17th century who refused to 'conform' to the Church of England.
Word relationships
- maverick: A maverick is more of a wild, independent-minded person; a nonconformist specifically refuses to 'fit the mold'.
- conformist: A conformist follows established customs and rules.
Commonly confused with
- rebel: A rebel actively fights against authority; a nonconformist simply refuses to follow the crowd.
Word family
- nonconformity (noun): Failure or refusal to conform.
Collocations
- nonconformist attitude
- religious nonconformist
- stubborn nonconformist
Example sentences
- "As a nonconformist, the painter rejected the traditional techniques taught in the academy." Art
- "The Nonconformists were Protestants who did not follow the practices of the Church of England." History
Memory hook
A nonconformist will 'not' fit into the 'form' (mold). Not fitting the mold.
When not to use
Don't use for someone who is simply weird; it implies a principled stand against a norm.
Fun facts
- The poet William Blake is often cited as a classic example of a nonconformist.
Related words
Explore more words
maverick, unconventional, unorthodox, Conformity, eccentric, offbeat
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