nondestructively · adv — in a nondestructive manner; without causing destruction. It carries an Arena rating of 1346, earned across 3 head-to-head judged battles.
Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, nondestructively ranks #12,914 of 17,187 for Most Malleable Words, #13,187 of 17,163 for Most Sublime Words, #14,969 of 17,146 for Most Storied Words, #15,223 of 17,195 for Most Exacting Words.
Why “nondestructively” is a great word
In a manner that does not cause damage or destruction, especially to the object being examined or tested. From the adjective 'nondestructive' (from 'non-' ("not") + 'destructive') + the adverbial suffix '-ly'. Unlike "destructively," which implies a final, shattering harm, or "invasively," which suggests a necessary violation of integrity, "nondestructively" is a covenant of care. It is the gentle pulse of ultrasound mapping a fetus, the unseen eye of an X-ray revealing a painting's hidden under-sketch, and the delicate probe listening for flaws in the steel heart of a bridge—the quiet art of knowing a thing without breaking it, a way of understanding drawn from holding something, unbroken, in patient regard.
❧ Essay by Lexicurio’s AI · definition, etymology & citations from published sources
Etymology
From nondestructive + -ly.
adv
- In a nondestructive manner; without causing destruction.e.g.“The material's strength was measured nondestructively.”
Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Words closest in meaning
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