Definition

Describing something that is not alive, such as rocks, water, or buildings.

Example

The nonliving components of the ecosystem include minerals and water.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how many nonliving things we see every day?

Yeah, it's interesting to think about what counts as alive or not.

Right? Like, rocks and water are all nonliving, but they play such a big role in our lives.

Exactly! It's fascinating how they contribute to the environment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonliving → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "living" (from Old English "libban", meaning to live). The word "nonliving" describes something that is not alive or does not possess life.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') being combined with 'living' to remember that 'nonliving' refers to things that are not alive.

Visually Confused Words