Reading Theme:

Without: Meaning, Usage, and Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1:not having (without)

without 🔊
/wɪðˈaʊt/
prep.
not having something or someone.
Without sugar: coffee mug and untouched sugar bowl on wooden table
not having 🔊
/nɒt ˈhævɪŋ/
prep.
Used to indicate the absence or lack of something or someone.
📁 Category:Diet & Health 🔖 Level:Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'wiþūtan' ('wiþ' meaning 'against' + 'ūtan' meaning 'outside').
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'with-out' => you are 'out' of something, so you lack it.
📖 Example
I prefer my tea without sugar in the morning. 🔊 I prefer my tea without sugar in the morning.
🔗 Collocations
without doubt – certainly, unquestionably
without fail – reliably, every time
without question – definitely, indisputably
🔄 Synonyms
lacking (prep.) – not having enough of something
absent (adj.) – not present in a place or situation
devoid of (phrase) – completely without something
🚫 Antonyms
with (prep.) – having or including something
including (prep.) – containing as part of something
accompanied by (phrase) – together with something
📖 Cultural Story
First used before 12th century; contrasts with 'within'. Common in legal phrases like 'without prejudice' to indicate no waiver of rights.

Meaning 2:not including (without)

without 🔊
/wɪðˈaʊt/
prep.
in a way that doesn't include a particular action or feeling.
Without hesitation: two friends talking naturally on a park bench
not including 🔊
/nɒt ɪnˈkluːdɪŋ/
prep.
Indicates that an action or feeling is not present or performed.
📁 Category:Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level:Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example
She shared the good news with her friend without hesitation. 🔊 She shared the good news with her friend without hesitation.
🔗 Collocations
without delay – immediately, without waiting
without warning – unexpectedly, with no prior notice
without notice – without prior announcement or indication
🔄 Synonyms
excluding (prep.) – not including someone or something
minus (prep.) – without, as in subtraction or absence
sans (prep.) – without (formal or humorous use)
🚫 Antonyms
with (prep.) – accompanied by or having something
including (prep.) – containing as part of a whole
plus (prep.) – with the addition of something
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