1. Except (preposition): Excluding or leaving out something or someone.
2. Except (conjunction): Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies what was previously said.
3. Except (verb): To leave out or exclude something from consideration.

The word except signals exclusion, as when everything is included except one item. It can also introduce an exception to a rule, often appearing after statements like “No one came except Sam.” In legal or formal writing, it sometimes means “to object.” Explore its shades of meaning so that you can handle exceptions with precision.

"Except" Definition: What Does "Except" Mean?

The word "except" is frequently used in speech and writing to indicate exclusions or contrasts. Here are its primary meanings and uses.

Definition of "Except": Exclusion

As a preposition, "except" means excluding or leaving something or someone out. It is commonly used to specify what is not included in a general statement.

Definition of "Except": Contrast or Qualification

As a conjunction, "except" introduces a contrasting statement or an exception to a previously mentioned idea. This meaning is often found in formal writing and everyday speech.

Definition of "Except": To Exclude

As a verb, "except" means to leave something out of consideration. Though less commonly used in this form, it appears in legal, academic, and formal contexts.

Parts of Speech

The word "except" functions primarily as a preposition, introducing phrases that exclude someone or something from a larger group, as in "all students except Sarah." It also works as a subordinating conjunction when followed by "that," "for," or "when," creating dependent clauses that express conditions or limitations. Less commonly, "except" serves as a transitive verb meaning to exclude or omit, though this usage appears mainly in formal or legal contexts.

How to Pronounce "Except"?

The word "except" is pronounced as "ik-SEPT," where "ik" sounds like "pick" without the "p" and "SEPT" rhymes with "kept." The stress falls on the second syllable, making it sound like "ex-CEPT" with a short "e" sound at the beginning, similar to "exit." Practice by saying "ick" quickly, then emphasizing "SEPT" with a crisp "t" sound at the end.

Phonetic Pronunciation: /ɪkˈsɛpt/

Synonyms of "Except": Other Ways to Say "Except"

There are many words that can be used instead of "except" depending on the context.

• Excluding
• Other than
• Apart from
• With the exception of
• Leaving out
• Save for
• But
• Minus
• Barring
• Unless

Antonyms of "Except": Other Ways to Say "Except"

Words that are opposite to "except" indicate inclusion or addition.

• Including
• Together with
• As well as
• Along with
• Plus
• In addition to
• Also
• Moreover
• Furthermore
• Inclusive of

Examples of "Except" in a Sentence

To understand how "except" is used, here are examples in different contexts.

1. Everyone attended the meeting except John.
2. I like all vegetables except broccoli.
3. The store is open every day except Sunday.
4. She agreed with the plan except for one detail.
5. Nothing was damaged except for a broken window.
6. We were allowed to take anything except electronics.
7. I would have gone, except that I was sick.
8. He is usually calm, except when he is hungry.
9. They invited everyone except their neighbors.
10. The teacher accepted all assignments except the late ones.

Frequency of Use

Google’s Ngram Viewer shows that “except” is a staple of English writing from the 1800s to the present, dipping slightly in the mid‑twentieth century before rising again in modern prose. Its steady presence reflects the need to mark exclusions in law, science, and everyday speech. Contemporary usage remains high in technical manuals and policy documents.

Variants of "Except"

There are a few variations of "except" that appear in different contexts.

1. Exception (noun): A person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or does not follow a rule.
2. Excepted (verb, past tense): The act of leaving something out or excluding it.
3. Excepting (verb, present participle): Used when referring to an ongoing act of exclusion.

Related Terms to "Except"

Exploring related words can help in understanding different meanings of "except."

1. Exclusion
2. Omission
3. Exception
4. Restriction
5. Limitation
6. Clause
7. Contrast
8. Condition
9. Exempt
10. Reservation

Etymology: History and Origins of "Except"

The word "except" comes from the Latin word exceptus, the past participle of excipere, meaning "to take out" or "exclude." It was introduced into Middle English from Old French as excepter, retaining the meaning of exclusion. Over time, "except" became a widely used term in English to indicate exclusions, conditions, or contrasts in speech and writing.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Except"

Here are some common derivatives and compounds related to "except."

1. Exception: Something that does not follow a rule or is excluded from a general statement.
2. Exceptional: Something unusual or different from the standard.
3. Excepting clause: A legal or grammatical phrase that introduces an exception.
4. Exceptionally: Used to describe something as rare or unusual.
5. Take exception to: A phrase meaning to object to something.

Common Misspellings of "Except"

People sometimes misspell "except" in the following ways:

1. Exsept
2. Exept
3. Eccept
4. Axcept
5. Expect (mistaken for a different word)

10 Idioms Similar to "Except"

Idioms related to "except" often describe exclusion, contrast, or exceptions.

1. With the exception of
2. Save for
3. All but
4. Nothing but
5. Leaving out
6. Barring unforeseen circumstances
7. Not counting
8. Minus one
9. Aside from
10. Other than that

10 Common Questions About "Except"

1. What does "except" mean?

"Except" means to exclude or leave something or someone out of a statement.

2. Is "except" a conjunction or a preposition?

"Except" can be both a conjunction, introducing contrasts, and a preposition, indicating exclusion.

3. What is the difference between "except" and "accept"?

"Except" means to exclude, while "accept" means to receive or agree to something.

4. Can "except" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "except" is commonly used in formal writing, especially in legal and academic contexts.

5. What is an "exception"?

An "exception" is something that does not follow a general rule or is excluded from a category.

6. Can "except" be replaced with "but"?

In many cases, "except" and "but" can be interchangeable, though "except" is more formal.

7. What is the past tense of "except" as a verb?

The past tense of "except" as a verb is "excepted," though this usage is rare.

8. How do you use "except for" in a sentence?

"Except for" is used to introduce an exclusion, as in "The room was empty except for a chair."

9. What is the opposite of "except"?

The opposite of "except" is "including" or "together with."

10. Can "except" start a sentence?

Yes, but it is more common in informal speech, such as "Except for the delay, the trip was perfect."

Conclusion

The word "except" is essential for expressing exclusions, contrasts, and conditions in writing and speech. It is used frequently in both formal and informal contexts. Expanding your understanding of "except" helps improve clarity and precision in communication.