privative

American  

[priv-uh-tiv] / ˈprɪv ə tɪv /

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.

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noun

1. Grammar. a privative element, as a- in asymmetric.

2. something that is deprived.

privative British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• privatively adverb

Etymology

Origin of privative

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

Example Sentences

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

Uncertainty has surrounded a plan to privative soccer clubs.

From Reuters

Related Words

• adverse
• gloomy
• pessimistic
• unfavorable
• weak