Definition of: alpha privative

In Greek grammar, a prefix having negative or privative force, as in atheos godless. See A-⁴, AN-⁴. ◆ The term is also applied to this prefix as naturalized in English, where it is sometimes used to express a shade of meaning different from that of the other negative prefixes, the Latin-derived in- and non-, and the native un-. A-, an-, as prefixed to terms or stems of Greek or Latin origin, often means “apart from” or “not concerned with,”: An amoral approach to economics is one not concerned with moral issues.