non-violent

IPA/ˌnɒn ˈvaɪələnt/
KK[nɑnvˈaɪələnt]IPA/ˌnɑːn ˈvaɪələnt/

non-violent — adjective

1. not using or involving violence — describes a person, action, or way of behaving

1.形容詞B1
釋義

not using or involving violence — describes a person, action, or way of behaving that is naturally peaceful and avoids any kind of physical aggression.

例句

Liam is a gentle, non-violent child who would never hurt another person.

describing a person's character

Théo's parents taught him non-violent ways to deal with anger at school.

同義詞
  • peaceful

    stronger emphasis on calmness and harmony; non-violent focuses on the absence of force

  • gentle

    describes a soft, kind manner rather than a principled stance against violence

  • peaceable

    more formal; describes a person who dislikes arguing or fighting

反義詞
  • violent

    direct opposite — using or involving physical force to hurt

  • aggressive

    ready to attack or confront; hostile in manner

文法句型

non-violent + noun (person, approach, communication)

be + non-violent

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 2: this sense describes personal character, relationships, and general approaches to conflict — not a specific protest or crime method.

常見錯誤

❌He is a non-violent person, so he never argues with anyone.
✅He is a non-violent person who handles disagreements through discussion rather than fighting.
💡Being non-violent means avoiding physical force, not avoiding all disagreement.

2. applied to a demonstration, campaign, or unlawful act that avoids all physical c

2.形容詞B2
釋義

applied to a demonstration, campaign, or unlawful act that avoids all physical confrontation and does not rely on weapons or fighting.

例句

The non-violent protest in the city centre attracted thousands of peaceful demonstrators.

collocation: non-violent protest

Hyun joined a non-violent march for fair wages that ended at the town hall.

同義詞
  • peaceful

    broader — can describe a calm atmosphere; non-violent is specifically about absence of physical force

  • passive

    focuses on not resisting or not fighting back, often implies submission rather than principled choice

反義詞
  • violent

    direct opposite — involving physical force intended to hurt or damage

  • armed

    carrying weapons, used especially of conflicts or groups

文法句型

non-violent + noun (protest, resistance, campaign)

be + non-violent

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1: this sense specifically describes a method or tactic used in protests, campaigns, or crimes — not a person's general character.

常見錯誤

❌The activists organized a peaceful protest.' (when specifically meaning no physical force).
✅The activists organized a non-violent protest.
💡'Peaceful' can mean calm or quiet; 'non-violent' specifically means without physical force.