exponent

/ɪkˈspəʊnənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪkˈspəʊnənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ik-ˈspō-nənt ˈek-ˌspō-/ (ame, mw)

exponent — noun

  • exponentsingular
  • exponentsplural

1. a small raised number or symbol that tells you how many times a number or variab

1.名詞B2
釋義

a small raised number or symbol that tells you how many times a number or variable is multiplied by itself.

例句

In x^4, the small 4 above x is the exponent.

pattern: small raised number above the base

Naoko underlined the exponent before solving the equation on the board.

同義詞
  • power

    often used in school maths for the same raised number, especially when reading expressions aloud

  • index

    a technical alternative, especially in British maths writing

文法句型

the exponent in x^n

a positive/negative exponent

a zero exponent

用法筆記

Usually refers to the small number written above and to the right of the base. Distinguish from noun/2: this sense names a mathematical symbol, not a person known for supporting or representing an idea or art form.

常見錯誤

❌In 2^3, 2 is the exponent.
✅In 2^3, 3 is the exponent.
💡the exponent is the raised number, not the base.

2. someone who strongly supports a particular idea, method, or style, or who is esp

2.名詞C1
釋義

someone who strongly supports a particular idea, method, or style, or who is especially skilled in showing it through their work.

例句

At the trade summit, Indra spoke as an exponent of free trade.

pattern: exponent of + idea

Professor Sade became a leading exponent of bilingual education in Nairobi.

collocation: leading exponent

同義詞
  • advocate

    stresses speaking or arguing in favour of an idea

  • champion

    more forceful and often more public than exponent

  • practitioner

    focuses on doing the activity, not on defending the idea behind it

  • master

    stresses high skill rather than support for an idea or style

文法句型

an exponent of + idea/method/style

a leading exponent of + field

become an exponent of + activity

用法筆記

Most often followed by 'of' plus the idea, style, or activity involved. It is more common in formal writing about politics, education, or the arts than in everyday conversation. Distinguish from noun/1: this sense names a supporter or skilled representative, not a mathematical mark.

常見錯誤

❌She is an exponent for bilingual education.
✅She is an exponent of bilingual education.
💡use 'of' after 'exponent' when naming the idea or activity.