nonrestrictive
Americanadjective
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not restrictive or limiting.
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Grammar. descriptive of a modified element rather than limiting of the element's meaning.
a nonrestrictive modifier.
adjective
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not restrictive or limiting
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grammar denoting a relative clause that is not restrictive Compare restrictive
Etymology
Origin of nonrestrictive
First recorded in 1920–25; non- + restrictive
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A spokesman for Mr. Pence cited nine such states as exceptionally nonrestrictive.
From New York Times ● Jul. 22, 2023
Instead, UC will judge those affiliations acceptable as long as patients can be transferred or referred to other nonrestrictive facilities.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2021
The nonrestrictive dynamic that defines the troop separates it from the two-dozen Cub, Boy and Girl scouts in town.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 6, 2015
One part of the rule is correct: it's odd to use "that" with a nonrestrictive relative clause, as in "The pair of shoes, that cost £5,000, was hideous."
From The Guardian ● Aug. 15, 2014
The choice between that and which, according to the rule, is simple: nonrestrictive relative clauses take which; restrictive relative clauses take that.
From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
