preposition

sans

without

Ce mot indique l'absence de quelque chose ou de quelqu’un.

The French word "sans" is a preposition that means "without" in English.

Meaning and usage:

It indicates the absence of something.
It is used to show that someone or something is lacking or does not have something.

Examples:

un café sans sucre — a coffee without sugar
partir sans dire au revoir — leave without saying goodbye

Synonyms and differences:

"Privé de": means "deprived of" or "without," but is often used in more formal or emotional contexts to express a lack of something important.
- Il est privé de liberté — He is deprived of freedom.
"Dépourvu de": means "lacking" or "devoid of," often used in formal or literary contexts.
- Une maison dépourvue de charme — A house lacking charm.
"Sans" is the most straightforward and the most frequently used preposition indicating the simple absence of something.

In sum, "sans" is the everyday preposition used to express "without" or absence, while synonyms tend to be more formal or carry specific nuances of deprivation or lack.