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by Capricorne LeCair on June 9th, 2005

Capricorne LeCair

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What is the opposite of photogenic?

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  • by Astaroth on August 29th, 2005

    Astaroth

    True, after extensive research I didn't find an specific word as an antonym for "photogenic", but.....

    Then trying to follow the rules for these cases according with the English Language I tried the following:

    Given that "photogenic" is formed by the fusion of a noun (photo, from photograph) and a suffix (-genic, meaning suitable), then I though that what I need to look for is the antonym of the suffix.....but guess what, I didn't find an sinonym for "unsuitable" in the form of a word like "genic".

    Again, trying to follow the English Language rules, I concluded:

    When no proper antonym can be found you can always use a preffix meaning "non" or "the opposite" taking in consideration the final sound of the word, in this case the best would be the preffix "-un".

    Thus, an acceptable antonyn of photogenic would be "unphotogenic".

    Hope it works for you!

    Comments

    • Very interesting!

      Alatea

      by Alatea on January 12th, 2006

    • ***golf claps***

      debsmooth

      by debsmooth on February 8th, 2007

    • I KNOW there’s a suffix that is the opposite of "genic" when used in this context, but I can't for the life of me find the reference where I read it. Darn. I asked this same question on ask MeFi and got the same answer.

      Sedorner

      by Sedorner on November 21st, 2009

    • I'd like to preserve the syllable count, just for the sake of style.
      How about "photoseptic" or "phototoxic". Spell-check hates both. But a reader would know what you were getting at.

      Nomarclegs

      by Nomarclegs on October 24th, 2011

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