Except
/ɪkˈsept/
Definitions
3 meaningsUsed to introduce a statement that forms an exception to what has just been said.
/ɪkˈsept/
Not including; other than
All students are required to attend the meeting except for those with excused absences.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friends are all going to the movies, but you're busy. You say, "Everyone's going to the movies *except* me!" It means you're the one *not* going.
👶 For kids: It means 'but not'. Like, "I like all fruits except bananas."
More Examples
The store is open every day except Sunday.
She enjoys all kinds of music except heavy metal.
How It's Used
"Everyone is invited except John."
"The contract is valid except for clause 3."
Introducing something that would have otherwise happened.
/ɪkˈsept/
Used to introduce a fact or statement that forms an exception.
I was going to go to the concert, except I didn't have a ticket.
💡 Simply: You were going to go to the party, but you got sick! You'd say, "I would have gone to the party, *except* I wasn't feeling well." The 'except' shows the reason why something didn't happen.
👶 For kids: It's like 'but'. Like, "I would play, except I'm tired."
More Examples
He wanted to come with us, except he had a previous engagement.
The project was successful, except for a few minor setbacks.
How It's Used
"He would have helped, except he was busy."
To leave out or exclude (someone or something).
/ɪkˈsept/
To exclude or leave out.
The judge excepted the evidence from being admitted.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a list of all the people coming to a party, but you're excluding some people! You're *excepting* them; you're leaving them out of the list.
👶 For kids: When you leave someone or something out. Like, "I'm except-ing the veggies in my salad."
More Examples
The rules except minors from this policy.
Certain conditions are excepted from the warranty.
How It's Used
"The law excepts certain types of income."
Idioms & expressions
with the exception of
Not including
"With the exception of the last chapter, the book was very interesting."
take exception to
To object to or disagree with something.
"She took exception to his rude remarks."
From Latin *excipere* 'to take out, receive'.
The word's usage dates back to the 14th century, evolving from its Latin roots. It has consistently served to indicate exclusions or exceptions.
Memory tip
Think of 'excluding' someone or something.