Sans

Sans (pronounced sanz) is a preposition that means 'without.' It indicates the absence or lack of something. Often used in formal or literary contexts, 'sans' adds a touch of elegance or sophistication. It is derived from the French word for 'without'. While less common in modern English than alternatives like 'without,' 'lacking,' or 'devoid of,' 'sans' offers a concise and impactful way to express omission, particularly when emphasizing the deliberate absence or the noteworthy lack of something. The word is generally interchangeable with 'without,' however 'sans' is often favoured when the 'without' is removing something that already is.

Sans meaning with examples

• The ancient scroll detailed the king's reign, sans any mention of his controversial marriage. The absence of this significant event suggested a deliberate attempt to omit information, shaping the historical narrative. This gave the account a more streamlined and controlled quality for the era.
• The artist presented the sculpture, sans any base or support, creating a stunning floating illusion. This deliberate removal of a pedestal elevated the artwork's concept, forcing viewers to consider its form and composition in a novel way, making the subject the focus.
• The desert traveler journeyed, sans water or shade, facing the brutal sun head on. This stark condition highlighted their courage and determination, showing a bold disregard for the basic elements. His struggle showed resilience against the harsh environment.
• The recipe instructed, 'Prepare the dish, sans any salt,' emphasizing the desired flavor profile, thus highlighting the exclusion of a specific ingredient. This specific instruction ensures the desired taste is achieved by eliminating a key ingredient.