Nonauthoritativeness refers to the lack or absence of authority, credibility, or expertise in a given context or subject matter. It denotes a state or quality of not having a commanding or influential position, thereby lacking the ability to assert control, dominance, or influence over others.
In various fields, nonauthoritativeness often pertains to information, statements, or sources that are not accepted as reliable, trustworthy, or valid. This lack of authority can stem from various factors, such as a lack of expertise, insufficient evidence, bias, or general unreliability. Nonauthoritative sources can be categorically dismissed or considered less influential compared to authoritative sources, as they are not considered to possess the necessary knowledge, experience, or credibility to accurately speak on a particular subject.
Nonauthoritativeness can also be associated with an absence of official endorsement or recognition. For instance, in legal contexts, nonauthoritative laws or regulations lack binding power or enforcement, as they have not been established or recognized by the relevant governing bodies. Similarly, nonauthoritative religious or philosophical doctrines may not hold the same weight or influence as those officially recognized by a particular faith or school of thought.
Overall, nonauthoritativeness refers to a lack of authoritative or influential status, indicating a diminished level of trustworthiness, credibility, or acceptance within a given domain.
The word nonauthoritativeness is derived from the base word authoritative, which comes from the Latin word auctoritatem, meaning invention, advice, opinion, influence, command. The prefix non- is added to form the opposite meaning, indicating a lack of authority or not authoritative. The suffix -ness is then added to indicate the state or quality of the adjective, turning nonauthoritative into nonauthoritativeness.