Beliefless

/bɪˈlɪfləs/ adjective

Definition

Lacking belief, faith, or conviction; skeptical or incredulous.

Etymology

From belief + -less (suffix meaning 'without' or 'lacking'). The opposite construction of 'beliefful,' showing how the -less suffix inverts meaning.

Kelly Says

English is beautifully symmetrical: you can be 'beliefful' or 'beliefless,' 'hopeful' or 'hopeless'—the -less suffix is like hitting the opposite switch! Medieval people would find modern skepticism 'beliefless' in every sense.

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