What does "ex" mean?
The name of the Latin script letter X/x.
Ex
/ɛks/ adj, noun, verb, slang
adj, noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The name of the Latin script letter X/x.
- Grammar: ex is listed as adj, noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: ankh, antique, aside from, bar.
- Useful contrasts: en-, in-, intra-.
- Usage evidence: I'm going to have a date with my ex.
How to use "ex"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "ex" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "ex" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "ex" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "ex" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "ex" is acting as adj, noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "ankh" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "ex", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The name of the Latin script letter X/x.
"Thus first C checks to see if ex and wye are equal. The resulting value of 1 or 0 (true or false) then is compared to the value of zee."
- 2 A former partner or spouse; an ex-girlfriend, ex-boyfriend, ex-wife, or ex-husband. colloquial
"My friend has an ex who now lives abroad."
- 3 Clipping of exhibition. Canada, abbreviation, alt-of, clipping
- 4 Alternative letter-case form of ex. alt-of
- 5 Initialism of employee experience. abbreviation, alt-of, initialism, uncountable
"EX — the sum of all interactions an employee has with an organization, from recruiting to an exit interview – also significantly impacts business performance. EX involves far more than human resources functions, including facilities, internal communications, IT, and even corporate social responsibility."
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 the 24th letter of the Roman alphabet wordnet
- 7 a woman who was formerly a particular man's wife wordnet
- 8 a man who was formerly a certain woman's husband wordnet
Verb
- 1 To delete; to cross out.
- 2 To extinguish the life of. slang
"You upset cuz your friend got exed I got pissed cuz my bro got knifed"
Adjective
- 1 Ex-, former, previously but no longer. not-comparable
- 2 the place the train originated from or called at prior to the present location. not-comparable
"When between the station and the junction I was looking to the rear of the train on the near side, thinking it possible that we might receive a signal from the guard to shunt at Swindon junction to allow the 2.27 a.m. fast train ex Derby to pass, but the guard did not give any signal"
- 3 expensive, dear Singapore, colloquial
"It's too ex."
- 4 Ex-, former, previously but no longer. My algebra II teacher's dad is an ex PE teacher at the same school.; My algebra II teacher's dad is an ex PE teacher at the same school. not-comparable
Adjective
- 1 out of fashion wordnet
Antonyms
en-in-intra--to-be
Example
"I'm going to have a date with my ex."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "ex"?
Common synonyms include: ankh, antique, aside from, bar, barring, beside.
How do you use "ex" in a sentence?
I'm going to have a date with my ex.
How do you pronounce "ex"?
Pronounced /ɛks/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Latin ex.
Etymology 2
From the fact that crossing something out often results in the shape of the letter X.
Etymology 3
Standalone use of prefix ex-.
Etymology 4
From Latin ex (“out of, from”); originated as a telegraphic abbreviation.
Etymology 5
Clipping of expensive.
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