DictionarywithoutConditional exception
conjunction

without

unless a stated condition holds

The old tale says none may enter without they are invited.

Etymology

Without developed a conditional use from the idea of something being absent. It means unless: the main statement holds in the absence of the specified condition.

More examples

  • The dialect speaker says he will not go without she does.
  • Without you agree, the bargain cannot stand, the old text says.
  • She quoted the archaic condition, without it be necessary.

Forms

without