English Teacher Melanie: Vocabulary – What is an ‘ex’?
The listening lesson “Let’s Go to The Ex!” was about the afternoon I spent at the Canadian National Exhibition. In Toronto, the fair is often called “The Ex” for short. This is a special nickname for the fair.
This is not the usual use of ex. The word ‘exhibition’ is never shortened to ex.
Ex- is a prefix that is used before a noun and means ‘former’:
ex-president (he was the president, but now he is not)
ex-policeman (former policeman)
ex-member
ex-prisoner
Ex can also be used as a noun by itself. An ex refers to former romantic partner:
ex-girlfriend
ex-boyfriend
ex-wife
ex-husband
If someone says ‘my ex,’ you’ll know whether they mean ex-girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/husband if you know their personal history or from the conversation.
My ex has a new girlfriend. She’s ugly.
He and his ex went through a bitter divorce but they are getting along better these days.
Do you still keep in touch with your ex?
