Pronunciation: [nˌɒt fˈe͡ɪtə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "not fatal" is spelled /nɒt ˈfeɪtəl/. The first sound in "not" is a short "o" sound, followed by a "t" sound. The vowel sound in "fatal" is a long "a," followed by a "t" and an "əl" sound. The word "not" is often used to negate something, indicating that it is not true or not the case. In this case, "not fatal" means that something is not deadly or life-threatening.
The term "not fatal" is an adjective used to describe a condition, situation, or event that does not result in death or is not likely to lead to death. It signifies that a particular circumstance or occurrence is not ultimately life-threatening, even though it may cause some harm, injury, or negative consequences.
In a medical context, "not fatal" indicates that a disease, injury, or condition, although potentially serious, will not directly lead to the death of an individual. It implies that with proper medical intervention or if allowed to run its course, the person will recover or survive. For instance, a doctor may inform a patient that their infection, although severe, is "not fatal" and can be treated effectively with antibiotics or other appropriate measures.
Outside the field of medicine, "not fatal" encompasses various aspects of life. It can pertain to accidents, incidents, or disasters that may result in injuries, damage, or loss but are not expected to result in death. For example, a car crash with minimal injuries or a natural disaster that causes property damage but does not claim lives can be referred to as a "not fatal" event.
Overall, "not fatal" is a term employed to underscore the absence of a lethal outcome or the relatively lower severity of a particular situation, condition, or event, emphasizing the potential for survival or recovery.
The etymology of the word "not fatal" is based on the combination of two different roots:
1. "Not": The word "not" is derived from the Old English "not", which is a contraction of "ne" (meaning "no" or "not") and "watt" (meaning "thing"). It has been used as a negative particle since Middle English.
2. "Fatal": The word "fatal" originates from the Latin word "fatalis", which is derived from "fatum" (meaning "that which has been spoken"). In Latin, "fatalis" referred to something predetermined or destined by fate. Over time, it came to mean something causing or ending in death or disaster.
By combining the negative particle "not" with the word "fatal", the phrase "not fatal" is formed, meaning something that is not causing or resulting in death or disaster.
