Except

easyNeutral tone

ik-SEPT

preposition

Definition

Not including; other than; to exclude

Memory hook

EX-CEPT: to take OUT (ex) from the group — to exclude (not accept = receive).

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Word roots

excipereto take out(Latin)

Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.

Examples

Everyone attended except the chairman.
The museum is open daily except Mondays.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

Everyone attended ______ the chairman.
Show answer

except

Synonyms

excludingomittingbarringsave

Antonyms

includingencompassingincorporatingadmitting

Categories

View all Exclusion words

GRE Tip

Except is a easy-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "excluding" or "omitting" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "including".

Read: How to Memorize GRE Words That Actually Stick

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