Pronunciation: [nˌɒnɹɪstɹˈɪktɪv] (IPA) 
The word "nonrestrictive" is spelled with a prefix, two roots, and a suffix. The prefix "non-" means "not" or "without". The roots "restrict" and "ive" mean "to limit" and "having the quality of" respectively. The suffix "-ive" is added to the root "restrict" to indicate that the word is an adjective. The phonetic transcription of "nonrestrictive" is /nɒn.rɪˈstrɪk.tɪv/, where the stress is on the second syllable.
Nonrestrictive is an adjective used to describe a clause, phrase, or element within a sentence that does not limit or restrict the meaning of the main clause. It provides additional information about the sentence subject or object, but its absence does not alter the basic meaning of the sentence.
In grammar, a nonrestrictive clause does not affect the essential message or the identification of the noun it modifies but rather adds extra details or comments without causing confusion. It is usually set apart from the rest of the sentence by commas or parentheses. This type of clause is typically introduced by terms such as "which," "who," "that," or "where." For example, in the sentence "My sister, who is a doctor, lives in New York," the nonrestrictive clause "who is a doctor" is not necessary to identify the sister but provides additional information about her profession.
Nonrestrictive phrases, like nonrestrictive clauses, function similarly by introducing supplementary information that doesn't limit the sentence's meaning. They can take the form of appositives, participial phrases, prepositional phrases, or absolute phrases. Additionally, nonrestrictive elements, such as adjectives or adverbs, also serve to enhance rather than limit the meaning of the main clause.
Overall, a nonrestrictive element in a sentence is used to provide extra information, create emphasis, or add descriptive details without altering the sentence's core meaning.
The word "nonrestrictive" is formed by combining the prefix "non-" (meaning "not" or "without") with the root word "restrictive".
The word "restrictive" comes from the verb "restrict", which ultimately derives from the Latin word "restrictus", the past participle of "restringere", meaning "to bind back, confine, or restrain". The term "restrictive" refers to something that imposes limitations, puts constraints, or narrows down possibilities.
When the prefix "non-" is added to "restrictive", it negates the meaning, resulting in "nonrestrictive". Therefore, "nonrestrictive" means not imposing limitations or constraints, or without restrictions.
