Except Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
except
[ษชkหsษpt ]
Definitions
excluding something
Not including something or someone.
Synonyms
apart from, aside from, but, excluding.
Examples of usage
- Everyone except John went to the party.
- I like all fruits except bananas.
- All the students passed the exam except for one.
- The store is open every day except Sunday.
- I can eat anything except spicy food.
used to introduce a phrase or clause that contrasts with what has already been mentioned
Used before mentioning a fact that makes the previous statement less strong or less likely to be true.
Synonyms
but, however, nevertheless, though.
Examples of usage
- I would go, except I don't have enough time.
- The plan sounds good, except that it may be too expensive.
- We were all excited, except for Sarah who seemed worried.
- He is a great player, except for his injury-prone nature.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Grammar
- 'Except' is most commonly used as a preposition, indicating exclusion, as in 'Everyone was invited except John.'
- In legal language, 'except' can specify conditions, marking clarity in contracts or agreements.
- 'Except' can also function as a conjunction in some sentences, connecting clauses and introducing exceptions.
Cultural References
- In literature, 'except' often sets up conflict by excluding a character or idea, creating tension in stories.
- Songs and poems frequently use 'except' to evoke emotions tied to exclusion or longing for connection.
- Famous quotes often use 'except' to highlight an idea, such as Thomas Jefferson's take on rights, emphasizing universal access.
Philosophy
- Philosophical discussions about morality often use 'except' to ponder ethical dilemmas and the implications of excluding certain actions.
- Existentialist thinkers examine what it means to be 'excluded' in society, adding depth to concepts of identity and belonging.
- The concept of โthe exception that proves the ruleโ raises questions about norms versus deviations in societal behavior.
Psychology
- Studies in cognitive psychology show that people tend to remember exceptions to rules rather than the rules themselves, impacting learning.
- The 'exception fallacy' in reasoning occurs when one assumes that because a rule has an exception, it is therefore invalid.
- In social psychology, feeling excluded can lead to feelings of loneliness, showcasing the emotional weight of the term 'except'.
Origin of 'except'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'excipere', which means 'to take out' or 'to catch out'.
- It evolved into the Old French word 'excepter' before becoming the English 'except'.
- Its earliest usage in English dates back to the 14th century, highlighting its long-standing presence in the language.
The word 'except' originated from Middle English and comes from the Latin word 'exceptus', which is the past participle of 'excipere' meaning 'to take out'. The usage of 'except' has evolved over time to convey a sense of exclusion or contrast. It is commonly used in English to indicate exclusion or introduce exceptions in statements.
See also: exception, exceptional, exceptionality.