Understanding Prefix ex-: Meaning, Words, Activity, & More
Posted by Tammi Brandon on 4th Jun 2024
The prefix ex- is commonly attached to the start of words. It is a language tool meaning separation, exclusion, or a former state of being. Whether it's an 'ex-president' leaving office or an 'exoskeleton' providing structural support, understanding the meaning of the prefix ex- opens a window into the vast world of language.
Understanding the Meaning of Prefix Ex-
Etymology
The etymology of the prefix ex- is rooted in the Latin language. In Latin, ex- is added to the beginning of a word to form a preposition or as a prefix to change the word’s meaning. It is often attached to nouns, adjectives, and verbs to show separation. Over centuries, the prefix migrated into English, adapting to English applications while keeping its original intent.
Categorization
The prefix ex- can be found in many different types of words, each conveying a slightly different variation of its core meaning. Organizing words by category helps students better understand how the prefix modifies word meaning. Here are some common categories of ex- words:
- Position/Location: These words describe being outside or external to something.
- Exit, Exterior, External
- Change/Removal: In these words, the prefix ex- implies taking something out or separating it.
- Exclude, Extract, Exile
- Former Status: This category includes words that describe something or someone as being in a previous state or role.
- Ex-president, Ex-friend, Ex-employee
- Expansion/Extension: These words often imply stretching out or going beyond a limit.
- Expand, Extend, Exaggerate
Pronunciation
The pronunciation of ex- can vary. It is influenced by succeeding letters. In some cases, the 'e' in ex- is pronounced distinctly, as in 'exit.' In others, it may blend more seamlessly with the following sounds, such as 'extend.' Ex- may also produce the /ĕgz/sound when the ‘x’ is followed by a vowel like ‘exam,’ ‘exert,’ and ‘exotic.’ There are always exceptions.
More Than Just a Prefix
The prefix ex- is essential in English. It serves as a prefix and an important part of word construction, impacting the ultimate meaning of the terms it forms.
Whether it indicates the act of exiting a location, such as in 'exit,' or transforming a simple word like 'employee' into 'ex-employee,' the connotations of separation, removal, or past status are evident. The prefix 'ex-' is crucial in changing the meaning of words, and improves the language with its descriptive power.
The prefix ex- can significantly influence our perception of the words it adjoins. An 'ex-partner' or 'ex-friend' instantly communicates a transition from a present and ongoing relationship to one in the past. The use of 'ex-' indicates a change in status, which alters the emotional and psychological impact of the term it modifies.
Application
When teaching prefixes and suffixes, remember to incorporate a multisensory activity. The stronger your multisensory activity is, the more likely students will remember it. Here is an idea for teaching the prefix ex-.
Prefix Ex- Multisensory Activity
Activity Setup
- Instruct students to cut a straight line between the stick figure and the door of their printout.
- Students then cut out their stick figure and tape/glue it onto a wooden craft stick.
- Next, students cut three sides of the door (top, bottom, side with the doorknob) and glue the door "frame" to a piece of construction paper or card stock.
Activity Directions
Once everything is cut and glued, read a list of words to your student. If the word read has the prefix "ex" in it, the students open their paper doors, and move their stick figures under the exit sign to show the stick figure is going "out of" or "away from". Students especially enjoy personalizing their stick figure!
List of Prefix Ex- Words to Get You Started:
The words below are a combination of simple and challenging words with the prefix "ex". Choose words that are appropriate for your students.
extract exit existence examination
extraterrestrial exist exceed external
existential expanding expected extra
example exaggerated expression extraordinary
Written by Tammi Brandon, M.Ed., CDP
Tammi Brandon is a Master Instructor and Education Consultant with Brainspring Educator Academy.
