non placet
C2/Extremely RareFormal, Parliamentary, Academic, Ecclesiastical
Definition
Meaning
A formal expression of dissent or negative vote in a deliberative assembly, especially in academic or ecclesiastical contexts.
A rejection or refusal; a decision that something is not acceptable or approved.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A Latin phrase used as a fixed formal term, primarily in British parliamentary and university contexts. It is the opposite of 'placet' (it pleases), signifying a negative vote.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily used in UK parliamentary and university governance. In the US, similar formal dissent is more likely expressed as 'nay', 'no', or 'objection'.
Connotations
UK: Carries connotations of tradition, formal procedure, and institutional authority. US: If used, is highly esoteric and signals deep familiarity with parliamentary Latin.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage. Found almost exclusively in official transcripts of certain UK institutions (e.g., Oxford/Cambridge congregations, General Synod of the Church of England).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SUBJ + vote + non placetSUBJ + register + a non placetThere + be + a non placetVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in the formal governance of some ancient universities (e.g., voting on statutes).
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Parliamentary procedure; ecclesiastical councils.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The Regent Master rose to non placet the statute.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The historic vote was decided by a few 'non placet' voices.
- After much debate, the Warden declared a non placet, effectively vetoing the proposed amendment to the college charter.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Roman senator placing (placet) a 'NO' (non) sign on a scroll to block it.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORTIY IS A FORMAL VERDICT / DISAGREEMENT IS A BLOCKING GESTURE
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'не место' ('not a place'). It is a fixed Latin formula.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I non placet this idea').
- Using it in informal contexts.
- Mispronouncing 'placet' as /pleɪsɪt/.
Practice
Quiz
In which context are you most likely to encounter 'non placet'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is exceptionally rare and confined to specific, highly formal institutional settings in the UK, such as ancient university governance or the Church of England's General Synod.
No. Using it would be seen as bizarrely archaic and pretentious. Use 'I disagree', 'I object', or 'I vote no' instead.
The opposite is 'placet' (Latin for 'it pleases'), signifying assent or a positive vote.
In the traditional British pronunciation, it is /ˈplɑːsɛt/. In American contexts, it is often /ˈpleɪsɛt/ or /ˈplæsɛt/.