I. ˈprivəd.iv noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin privativus, from privatus (past participle of privare to deprive) + -ivus -ive
1. : something characterized by privation
2.
a. : a privative attribute, term, expression, or proposition
b. : a privative prefix or suffix
c. : a word denoting the negation of a quality otherwise inherent
deaf is a privative
II. adjective
1. : causing privation : depriving
exercise privative power
2. : characterized by privation : not positive : negative
3. : constituting, signifying, or predicating privation, negation, or absence of a quality
a privative prefix (as a-, un-, non- )
blind is a privative term