without
UK: wɪˈðaʊt | US: wɪˈðaʊt
prep. not having or accompanied by
prep. outside of
adv. in absence of something
The word "without" originates from Old English wiþūtan, a combination of wiþ (meaning "with" or "against") and ūtan (meaning "outside"). Over time, wiþ evolved into "with," while ūtan became "out." The fusion of these two morphemes created a term that originally meant "outside of" or "on the exterior," later expanding to signify absence or lack. The logic is clear: "with" implies presence, and "out" implies exclusion—thus, "without" denotes the state of being excluded from having something.
She left without saying goodbye.
The room was dark without any light.
He managed to finish the task without help.
They traveled without a map.
Life would be dull without challenges.