[ 'prɪvətɪv ]
■ adjective
1》 lacking some quality or attribute that is normally present.
↘(of a statement or term) denoting the absence or loss of an attribute or quality.
2》 Grammar (of a particle or affix) expressing absence or negation.
Origin
C16: from L. privativus 'denoting privation', from privat- (see privation ).