Word
sans
Phoneticssans
US/ˈsænz/
UK/sˈænz/
Definition
prep. a fancy or funny way to say 'without'.
prep. without; lacking. Often used in literary contexts or to create a mock-serious tone when something expected is absent.
Examples
“He arrived at the party sans his usual tie.”
“The new apartment was beautiful but came sans furniture, so we had to sleep on the floor.”
“The final act of the play depicts the character in old age, famously described as being sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, and sans everything.”
Examples
simple
“He arrived at the party sans his usual tie.”
contextual
“The new apartment was beautiful but came sans furniture, so we had to sleep on the floor.”
complex
“The final act of the play depicts the character in old age, famously described as being sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, and sans everything.”
Usage
Usually placed directly before the noun it modifies without an article.
Teaching tip
Learners should use this sparingly; it can sound pretentious if used in everyday conversation without a clear humorous intent.