nonrestrictive

American  

[non-ri-strik-tiv] / ˌnɒn rɪˈstrɪk tɪv /

adjective

1. not restrictive or limiting.

2. Grammar. descriptive of a modified element rather than limiting of the element's meaning.

   a nonrestrictive modifier.

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nonrestrictive British  

/ ˌnɒnrɪˈstrɪktɪv /

adjective

1. not restrictive or limiting

2. grammar denoting a relative clause that is not restrictive Compare restrictive

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Etymology

Origin of nonrestrictive

First recorded in 1920–25; non- + restrictive

Example Sentences

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

What follows, to quote the stylebook, is “a nonrestrictive clause — one providing added information, not essential to understand the sentence.”

From New York Times • Dec. 9, 2014

The real decision is not whether to use "that" or "which" but whether to use a restrictive or a nonrestrictive relative clause.

From The Guardian • Aug. 15, 2014

A nonrestrictive relative clause is set offby commas, dashes, or parentheses, and expresses a comment from the peanut gallery, as in The pair of shoes, which cost five thousand dollars, was hideous.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker