Senseless

/ˈsɛnsləs/ adjective

Definition

Lacking meaning, purpose, or good reason; or unconscious and unable to feel or think.

Etymology

From 'sense' (from Latin 'sensus' meaning 'feeling') plus the suffix '-less' meaning 'without.' Literally means 'without sense.'

Kelly Says

The word has two opposite meanings that somehow coexist: 'senseless violence' means unreasonable, but 'knocked senseless' means literally unable to sense. English lets the same word mean both 'illogical' and 'unconscious' because both involve missing something.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.