privative

[ priv-uh-tiv ]

adjective

1. causing, or tending to cause, deprivation.
2. consisting in or characterized by the taking away, loss, or lack of something.
3. Grammar. indicating negation or absence.

noun

1. Grammar. a privative element, as a- in asymmetric.
2. something that is deprived.

privative

/ ˈprɪvətɪv /

adjective

1. causing privation
2. expressing lack or negation, as for example the English suffix -less and prefix un-
3. obsolete.
   logic (of a proposition) that predicates a logical privation

Derived Forms

• ˈprivatively, adverb

Other Words From

• priva·tive·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of privative¹

1350–1400; Middle English privatif < Latin prīvātīvus. See private, -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of privative¹

C16: from Latin prīvātīvus indicating loss, negative

Example Sentences

Here in America, George W. Bush pushed his vision of an "ownership society" at the beginning of his second term, with an initial focus on trying to privative Social Security.

From Salon

But Dr Bhar, a cosmetic surgeon who runs a privative clinic in Harley Street London, disagrees with the ban.

From BBC

Confusion has been created about an airport privatization process after some local media reported that the government intended to privative 27 of them by the middle of 2018, a target analysts said was unrealistic.

From Reuters

Uncertainty has surrounded a plan to privative soccer clubs.

From Reuters

Confusion has been created about an airport privatization process after some local media reported that the government intended to privative 27 of them by the middle of 2018, a target analysts said was unrealistic.

From Reuters

Related Words

• adverse
• gloomy
• pessimistic
• unfavorable
• weak