nonthreatening

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /nɒnˈθrɛtənɪŋ/

KK: /nɑnˈθrɛtənɪŋ/

adjective

Definition

Not causing fear or danger; safe and gentle in nature.

Example

The puppy had a nonthreatening demeanor, making it easy for children to approach it.

Conversation

I really like that new coworker; they seem very nonthreatening to me.

Yeah, they have a friendly vibe that makes it easy to talk to them.

It's nice to have someone who feels so nonthreatening in the office.

Definitely! It helps create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

harmless

innocuous

benign

Antonyms

dangerous

threatening

hostile

Root Explanation

Nonthreatening → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "threatening" (from Old English "þreatian", meaning to threaten). The word "nonthreatening" means not causing fear or danger, indicating a lack of threat.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'threatening' referring to causing fear. So, nonthreatening describes something that does not cause fear.

Visually Confused Words

unthreatening