noncommittal — not expressing or revealing commitment to a definite opinion or course of action
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: not expressing or revealing commitment to a definite opinion or course of action
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌnɑːnkəˈmɪtəl/
Example Sentences
- When asked about his weekend plans, Tom gave a noncommittal shrug.
- The politician's noncommittal answers frustrated the reporters.
- He was noncommittal about whether pineapple belongs on pizza.
noncommittal
ADJECTIVE[/ˌnɑːnkəˈmɪtəl/]
not expressing or revealing commitment to a definite opinion or course of action
When asked about the merger, the CEO gave a noncommittal shrug and vague smile.
Noncommittal about the acquittal
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the prefix 'non-' (meaning not) combined with 'committal', which derives from the verb 'commit' (from Latin 'committere', meaning to entrust or pledge) plus the suffix '-al' (relating to). The word emerged in English in the 19th century to describe someone unwilling to make a definite commitment.
Breakdown
non- (not) + commit (from Latin committere, to pledge) + -al (adjective suffix, relating to) = noncommittal (adjective meaning not expressing definite commitment)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When asked about his weekend plans, Tom gave a noncommittal shrug.”
“The politician's noncommittal answers frustrated the reporters.”
“He was noncommittal about whether pineapple belongs on pizza.”
“Her noncommittal 'maybe' left everyone wondering if the party was still on.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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