non-denominational
Non-denominational (adjective) means not tied to any one branch or denomination of a religion, and open to people of different traditions. Example: “They married in a non-denominational chapel so both families felt included.”
How to use non-denominational
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishReligious, but not attached to any one church or group.
Neutral. British writing usually hyphenates it; American writing often writes nondenominational as one word.
Both non-denominational and nondenominational are correct; pick one spelling and stay with it.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They married in a _____ chapel so both families felt included.
Etymology
From non-, 'not', plus denomination, from Latin denominare, 'to name'.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for non-denominational
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between non-denominational and secular?
Non-denominational is still religious; it simply refuses to belong to one particular denomination. Secular means not religious at all, so a secular ceremony involves no worship of any kind.
What is the difference between non-denominational and interdenominational?
Interdenominational means several named denominations are cooperating. Non-denominational means the church or event does not identify with any denomination in the first place.
Is a non-denominational church Christian?
In most English-speaking countries yes: the term usually describes a Christian church that stands outside Baptist, Methodist, Anglican and similar structures while still holding Christian beliefs.
What is the meaning of non-denominational?
"non-denominational" (adjective) means not tied to any one branch or denomination of a religion, and open to people of different traditions.