anti-makeup
|an-ti-make-up|
/ˈæn.tiˌmeɪ.kʌp/
against or minimizing makeup
Etymology
'anti-makeup' is formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti-' meaning 'against') attached to the noun 'makeup' (from 'make' + 'up'), creating a compound meaning 'against makeup' or 'opposed to makeup'.
'anti-' originates from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against'; 'makeup' comes from the verb 'make' (Old English 'macian' / 'macian' → 'make') combined with the particle 'up' to form 'make up' and later the noun 'makeup'. The modern compound 'anti-makeup' is a recent formation in contemporary English, arising from use of 'anti-' as a productive prefix attached to modern nouns.
Initially the elements meant 'against' + 'make(up)' literally; over time the compound came to denote not only opposition to cosmetics but also a stylistic trend favoring minimal or no makeup and products/styles that support that look.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a trend, movement, or style that favors little or no cosmetics; or a stance/opinion expressing opposition to the use of makeup.
The anti-makeup trend celebrates natural skin and minimal products.
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Adjective 1
opposed to or rejecting makeup; describing an attitude, style, or product that minimizes or avoids the use of cosmetics.
She adopted an anti-makeup approach, focusing on skincare instead of heavy foundation.
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Last updated: 2025/10/23 08:15