E-Prime

proper noun

A modified form of English that eliminates the verb be and thus avoids the passive voice, intended to reduce the dogmatism of language and the likelihood of misunderstanding and conflict.

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Meanings

proper noun
  1. A modified form of English that eliminates the verb be and thus avoids the passive voice, intended to reduce the dogmatism of language and the likelihood of misunderstanding and conflict.

Origin

Clipping of English-Prime. Coined by its inventor, D David Bourland, Jr. (1928-2000).

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Cite this entry
APA

E-Prime. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/E-Prime

MLA

“E-Prime.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/E-Prime. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “E-Prime,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/E-Prime.

Source: E-Prime on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.