privative

1 of 2

adjective

priv·​a·​tive ˈpri-və-tiv How to pronounce privative (audio)
: constituting or predicating privation or absence of a quality
non- is a privative prefix
privatively adverb

privative

2 of 2

noun

: a privative term, expression, or proposition
also : a privative prefix or suffix

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1584, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of privative was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing privative

Dictionary Entries Near privative

privatism

privative

privative intercession

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Privative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/privative. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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