Faultless

/ˈfɔːltləs/ adjective

Definition

Perfect or completely free from mistakes, defects, or blame.

Etymology

Formed from 'fault' plus '-less' suffix (meaning 'without'). 'Fault' derives from Old French 'faulte' and Latin 'fallere'. The '-less' suffix is ancient in English, creating adjectives meaning the absence of something.

Kelly Says

The '-less' suffix is the opposite of '-ful'—'fault' + 'less' = faultless (without fault), while 'fault' + 'ful' would theoretically mean 'faultful' (though we say 'faulty' instead). This shows how English has multiple ways to express opposites and negation!

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