How Do You Spell EX?

Pronunciation: [ˈɛks] (IPA)

The word "ex" is spelled with two letters: E and X. The phonetic transcription in IPA is /ɛks/. The first letter, E, is pronounced as the short vowel sound /ɛ/. The second letter, X, is pronounced with the consonant sound of /ks/. This word is commonly used as a prefix meaning "former" or "out of" in various contexts. For example, in the expression "ex-boyfriend," "ex" qualifies the word "boyfriend" and indicates he is no longer the current one.

EX Meaning and Definition

1. The term "ex" is a versatile prefix that can have various meanings depending on the context in which it is used. As a combination of letters, "ex" typically connotes the idea of something that was previously but is no longer present or active. This prefix often denotes the end, separation, or removal of a particular subject or action. In a personal relationship context, "ex" is short for "former," suggesting a person who was once a partner, spouse, or significant other, but is now no longer involved in that role.

   Alternatively, "ex" can also signify the original or prior state of something. For instance, "ex-boyfriend" refers to a person who was previously in a romantic relationship, while "ex-convict" indicates someone who has previously been convicted of a crime.

   Furthermore, "ex" is frequently used in scientific, medical, and academic fields to indicate a previous condition, status, or position. For example, "ex-student" implies that an individual is no longer enrolled at a specific institution, while "ex-employee" denotes someone who previously worked for a particular company or organization.

   Overall, the prefix "ex" serves as a marker to imply a former status, relationship, position, or state of being, helping to convey the idea of something that once was but is now no longer.

2. A prefix denoting out of, from, away from.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

3. Out of; out; off; from; without; denoting merely increase of the power of the simple word; ex assumes the forms e, ec, ef, according to the letter commencing the word of which it forms the prefix; ex prefixed to the name of an office denotes that the person formerly held the office named, or does not now hold it, as ex-mayor, ex-minister.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for EX *

• exp 40%
• ext 10%
• exs 10%
• exc 5%
• exe 5%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for EX

• ez
• mex
• aex
• nex
• fx
• hx
• ey
• ek
• eo
• bx
• exm
• nx
• px
• eh
• dx
• exi
• fex
• tex
• lex
• sx
• ef
• ei
• exh
• dex
• wx
• eaxy
• erx
• gfx
• zx
• ej
• jx
• rex
• yx
• exo
• acx
• axa
• aen
• aez
• els
• anx
• arx
• cxe
• bex
• cem
• kx
• edb
• eie
• eig
• ekg
• esr
• ecd
• elo
• eze
• exq
• exr
• edu
• exx
• fez
• gex
• yex
• kex
• mer
• lyx
• nyx
• sxb
• teu
• etv
• yexo
• eux
• Ezy
• oex
• kexz
• eai
• yuex
• yexd
• xeu
• exw
• pexx
• emkx
• oeix
• cexx
• eyux
• elxx
• exlx
• NEkX
• qeex

Etymology of EX

The word ex has its etymology derived from Latin, where it functioned as a preposition meaning out of or from. It commonly combined with verbs to indicate moving away or separation, as well as being used to indicate the basis or cause of something. In English, it is used as a prefix, often denoting exclusion or removal, such as in words like exit, expel, or exclude.

Idioms with the word EX

• a deus ex machina The idiom "a deus ex machina" refers to a narrative device or plot twist often found in literature or drama where a sudden and unexpected event, character, or solution is introduced to resolve the story's conflict or dilemma. It typically refers to an improbable or contrived resolution that conveniently ties up loose ends or solves complex problems, usually in a way that seems artificial or lacks believability. The term originates from ancient Greek theater, where actors portraying gods were lowered onto the stage using a device called a "mechane" to resolve seemingly unsolvable situations.
• deus ex machina The idiom "deus ex machina" refers to a literary or dramatic device where a seemingly impossible or unexpected event, character, or object is introduced into a story as a solution to resolve a challenging situation or conflict. It loosely translates from Latin as "god from the machine" and originally referred to a crane-like contraption used in ancient Greek and Roman theater to lower actors playing gods onto the stage. In modern usage, it relates to any sudden or artificial resolution that feels contrived or convenient, often criticized as a narrative flaw for lacking a more organic or realistic outcome.
• ex cathedra The idiom "ex cathedra" is a Latin phrase that translates to "from the chair." It refers to a statement or pronouncement that is made with authority, often by someone in a position of power or expertise. To speak "ex cathedra" means to speak with an official or authoritative voice on a particular subject, usually without room for debate or questioning. It is commonly used to describe statements made by religious leaders or figures in a formal, official capacity.
• ex gratia The idiom "ex gratia" refers to an act or payment made voluntarily, out of goodwill or kindness, rather than from any legal or moral obligation. It is often used to describe an action that is done as a favor or gesture of generosity.
• ex vi·vo The idiom "ex vivo" refers to a scientific procedure or experiment that is performed outside of a living organism, typically in a laboratory or controlled environment. It is opposed to "in vivo," which refers to procedures conducted within a living organism.

Similar spelling words for EX

• tx,
• ax,
• Exie,
• sex-,
• e,
• -ed,
• X,
• ex-,
• sex,
• ox,
• e-,
• -er,
• e's,
• -ey,
• tex..