Vocabulary – What is an ‘ex’?

Ex- is a prefix that is used before a noun. It 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?
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