DictionaryAI

except

ik-SEPT/ɪkˈsɛpt/

Often confused with accept

5 meanings of except

Practice

  1. 1
    apart frompreposition
    Used to introduce people or things that a statement does not apply to.

    Everyone came to the party except Tom.

    The store is open every day except Sunday.

    UsageOften after all or every: every day except Sunday. Do not mix it up with accept.

    Similarexcluding, but, besides, save

    Oppositeincluding

  2. 2
    conjunction
    Used before a fact that makes what you just said not completely true.

    I'd help you, except I have to leave right now.

    She would have won, except she tripped near the finish line.

    UsageOften except that + a sentence, or just except: I'd help, except I'm busy.

  3. 3
    conjunctionarchaic
    Used in older English to mean "unless," introducing a possible exception to what is stated.
    Offensive wars, except the cause be very just, I will not allow of.
    1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of MelancholyHere, except means unless.
    And they sayde: We have no moo but five loves and two fisshes, except we shulde goo and bye meate for all this people.
    1526, [William Tyndale, transl.], The Newe Testamẽt (Tyndale Bible)

    Similarbarring

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    exemptverbtransitive
    To leave someone or something out of a rule or group.

    The school chose to except young children from the new homework rule.

    The new contract excepts seasonal staff from the policy.

    UsageYou except someone from a rule. Often heard in present company excepted.

    Similarexclude, exempt, omit

    Oppositeinclude

    Note
  2. 5
    objectverbintransitive
    To object to something, or to argue against it.

    When the judge let the photo in, our lawyer excepted to the ruling.

    The lawyer stood up to except to what the judge told the jury.

    UsageUsually except to something, like a judge's ruling.

    Similarobject, protest, demur

    Oppositeassent, agree

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of except apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It came from a Latin word 'exceptus', through Middle French 'excepter'.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts