Pronunciation: [sˈʌnləs] (IPA) 
The word "sonless" is spelled with a silent "s" at the beginning, as well as a double "s" in the middle. Its correct pronunciation is /ˈsʌnlɪs/. The first sound, /s/, is followed by a short vowel sound, /ʌ/. The next sound is a silent "n", followed by another short vowel sound, /ɪ/. Finally, the word ends with the sound /s/, which is pronounced as a voiceless "z". "Sonless" is an adjective that describes someone without a son.
Sonless is an adjective that refers to the state or condition of being without a son. It derives from the combination of the word "son," meaning a male child, and the suffix "-less," which denotes the absence or lack of something.
The term sonless primarily emphasizes the absence of a son in a particular context. It denotes a scenario where an individual or a couple does not have any male offspring, or where a specific family, lineage, or generation lacks a male child to carry on the family name, heritage, or traditions. It can also denote the situation where someone is unable to conceive or bear a son.
The concept of sonlessness carries cultural, societal, and historical significance in various traditions and societies. In patriarchal societies, the absence of a son may have carried symbolic implications regarding lineage, inheritance, and familial obligations. It can also have a profound impact on the dynamics of a family, affecting social standing, family legitimacy, and the formation of kinship ties.
Sonless is not restricted to biological contexts only; it can also be used in a metaphorical sense to describe situations, institutions, or fields of study that lack a male presence or perspective. In such instances, it highlights the absence or underrepresentation of men in certain domains and may be used to advocate for diversity and inclusion.
Overall, sonless is a term used to describe the state of lacking a son, whether in a personal, familial, or symbolic sense.
Without a son.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "sonless" is derived from the combination of two word roots: "son" and "less".
The root "son" originates from the Old English word "sunu", which means "son" or "male child". This Old English word is further derived from the Proto-Germanic word "sunuz" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*suHnús", both with the same meaning.
The root "less" comes from the Middle English word "lesse", meaning "without" or "lacking". This Middle English word evolved from the Old English word "lēas", which also means "without" or "devoid of".
When these two roots are combined, the word "sonless" is formed, which describes something or someone that lacks a son.
