sans

[ sanz; French sahn ]

/ sænz; French sɑ̃ /

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preposition

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of sans

1275–1325; Middle English <Old French sans, earlier sens,seinz a conflation of Latin sine without, and absentiā in the absence of, ablative of absentiaabsence

Other definitions for sans (2 of 2)

Sans.

abbreviation

Sanskrit.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use sans in a sentence

On the first trip I took photos of Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres, while it was still in early stages.
The Photojournalist Who Stared Down Ebola|Abby Haglage|November 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The governor, sans tie, wore a dress shirt and casual jacket onto the stage.
In Texas, Cruz, Perry Crow Over GOP Rout|Tim Mak|November 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The schizo CIA agent is back for more drone warfare and spycraft—this time, sans Brody and his frustratingly emo daughter.
‘Homeland’ Season 4: A Stripped-Down and Surprisingly Badass Return to Form|Marlow Stern|September 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
On the summer programming spectrum, it skewed more towards “just plain silly,” sans the “but still curious” modifier.
WGN’s ‘Manhattan’ Is Summer’s Best New Show. But Will Anyone Watch?|Kevin Fallon|July 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST

“Technology enables dissent,” the former NSA contractor told the crowd of thousands via video screen, this time sans robot.
Snowden Tells Hackers of the World to Unite|Joshua Kopstein|July 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Ces gens, croy-je, sont les plus grands harangueurs de toute la terre; ils ne font rien sans cela.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
Mais il faut premierement batir la Republique, sans laquelle l'Eglise ne peut estre.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
Car s voyages precedens il ne s'en est iamais pass vn seul sans mortalit, quoy qu'on fust bien l'aise.
The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents, Vol. II: Acadia, 1612-1614|Various
We should remodel the Government, and teach the sans culottes the hazard of trying the trade of politicians.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
Le roi pouvait crer ce duch en sa faveur, sans blesser aucune susceptibilit militaire.
Notes and Queries, Number 177, March 19, 1853|Various

British Dictionary definitions for sans (1 of 2)

sans

/ (sænz) /

preposition

an archaic word for without

Word Origin for sans

C13: from Old French sanz, from Latin sine without, but probably also influenced by Latin absentiā in the absence of

British Dictionary definitions for sans (2 of 2)

Sans.

Sansk.

abbreviation for

Sanskrit

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

sans

Origin of sans

Other definitions for sans (2 of 2)

Words related to sans

How to use sans in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for sans (1 of 2)

Word Origin for sans

British Dictionary definitions for sans (2 of 2)

Sansk.