headless

Pronunciation: /ˈhɛdləs/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective not having a head or formed without a head
  2. adjective not using intelligence

Etymology

From Middle English heedles, hevedles, from Old English hēafodlēas (“headless”), equivalent to head + -less. Cognate with Dutch hoofdloos (“headless”), Danish hovedløs (“headless”), Swedish huvudlös (“headless”), Icelandic höfuðlaus (“headless”). Piecewise doublet of chefless and chiefless.

In classic literature

Semantic network

Similar
acephalous, beheaded
Opposite (antonyms)
headed

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