Definition

A phrase or group of words that does not form a complete sentence and lacks grammatical structure.

Example

The phrase 'running fast' is a nonsentence because it does not express a complete thought.

Conversation

I heard someone say a nonsentence today in class.

Really? What did they say?

It was something like 'blue sky and!', totally random.

That sounds hilarious! Sometimes people just don't make any sense.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonsentence is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "sentence" (from Latin "sententia", meaning opinion or thought). The word "nonsentence" refers to something that is not a complete or coherent thought or statement.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning not, and 'sentence' referring to a complete thought — so a nonsentence is something that does not express a complete thought.

Visually Confused Words