privative

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2022

It is French influence which has disguised it in such words as affray, amend, escape, escheat, essay, &c.—Ex- has a privative sense in ex-emperor, ex-mayor.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

He contended that cold was probably only privative, and not a positive existence.

From Heroes of Science: Physicists by Garnett, William

The privative can help us nowhere and to nothing; the positive only can assist our reasoning.

From The Religious Sentiment Its Source and Aim: A Contribution to the Science and Philosophy of Religion by Brinton, Daniel Garrison

Strictly speaking, desire, as a conscious fact, has in it always a negative aspect, a privative aspect,—we desire when we are incomplete, when we lack.

From Social Value A Study in Economic Theory Critical and Constructive by Anderson, Benjamin M. (Benjamin McAlester)