x
/eks/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈɛks] /eks/ (ame, ipa)
x — noun
1. the character 'x' occupies the twenty-fourth position in the ABCs and can be wri
the character 'x' occupies the twenty-fourth position in the ABCs and can be written as a small 'x' or a big 'X'
In the alphabet, X is the third-to-last letter, coming just before Y and Z.
The teacher asked the children to write the letter 'X' ten times.
capital X vs lowercase x
Owen was proud when he realised his name contains an 'x'.
The spelling game required a word that ends with the letter 'x'.
In English class, the alphabet poster shows a big red X near the end.
文法句型
x / X (lowercase / capital)
常見錯誤
2. the Roman numeral that stands for the number 10, used on clocks, in outlines, an
the Roman numeral that stands for the number 10, used on clocks, in outlines, and in the names of rulers or chapters
King Louis X of France reigned from 1314 to 1316.
The clock tower showed the Roman numeral X to mark ten o'clock.
Roman numeral X on clocks
Super Bowl X was held in Miami in 1976.
King Louis X was the tenth French king to carry that name.
The outline listed ten topics, with section X covering the final topic.
- ten
the Arabic numeral equivalent; 'ten' is the everyday word, X is formal or decorative
文法句型
X as Roman numeral
用法筆記
Written as a capital X. Distinguish from numeral sense 1 (LETTER OF ALPHABET) which can be either case.
常見錯誤
3. a mark shaped like an X that voters make on a ballot paper to show which candida
a mark shaped like an X that voters make on a ballot paper to show which candidate or choice they support
Padma put an X next to the candidate she wanted to win.
On election day, voters must mark an X beside one name only.
mark an X beside [name]
The poll worker told each voter where to mark an X beside their chosen candidate.
If you make a mistake, do not add a second X next to another name.
Each voter draws a single X inside the box beside their chosen candidate.
- cross
an X-shaped mark in general; 'cross' is used in other contexts like ticking boxes on forms
文法句型
put / mark an X next to [candidate]
用法筆記
Common in paper-ballot election systems. In many countries, a ✓ (tick/check mark) is used instead of an X.
常見錯誤
4. a symbol used in mathematics and science to stand for an unknown number, quantit
a symbol used in mathematics and science to stand for an unknown number, quantity, or value that can be calculated
In the equation 2x + 3 = 11, the letter x stands for the missing number.
solve for x in equations
The science teacher wrote 'solve for x' on the classroom board.
Nora used the variable x to represent the total cost of her shopping trip.
If x equals seven, then the answer to the problem becomes clear.
In 2x + 3 = 7, solve for x by subtracting 3 then dividing by 2.
- constant
a known, fixed value
文法句型
solve for x
let x equal [number]
x represents [quantity]
用法筆記
Beyond mathematics, X can also represent an unnamed person or thing (e.g., 'Mr. X', 'Brand X'). In algebra the letter is always lowercase x; in the unnamed-person usage it is capitalised.
常見錯誤
5. people write the letter X in personal messages, cards, or handwritten notes as a
people write the letter X in personal messages, cards, or handwritten notes as a way of sending a kiss, to show warm feelings toward the reader
Aylin ended her letter with lots of Xs and Os for love and hugs.
Xs and Os = kisses and hugs
The birthday card from Grandma was signed 'Love, Grandma XXX' at the bottom.
Stefan wrote an X at the end of his text message to show affection.
In the UK, people often add an X after their name in casual messages.
Adaeze always puts three Xs when she sends a message to her mother.
文法句型
X / XX / XXX at end of message
用法筆記
Very common in British English informal writing; less common in American English. The number of Xs can indicate the strength of affection — one X is friendly, multiple Xs are warmer.
常見錯誤
6. a mark shaped like an X made by a teacher next to an answer on a test or homewor
a mark shaped like an X made by a teacher next to an answer on a test or homework to show that it is not correct
The teacher put a red X next to every incorrect answer on the test.
red X for incorrect answers
Bao saw an X on his math homework and knew he had made a mistake.
Sophia counted five Xs on her worksheet and fixed each wrong answer.
The quiz had a big X drawn over the last question, meaning nobody answered correctly.
There were more check marks than Xs on the class test results today.
- cross
another word for an X-shaped mark; 'cross' is less specific to grading
- tick
a check mark (✓) used to show a correct answer
- check mark
the correct-answer symbol in many English-speaking countries
文法句型
put / draw an X next to [answer]
用法筆記
The opposite of this mark is a ✓ (tick or check mark), which shows a correct answer. In many East Asian classrooms a small circle ○ is used instead of a ✓ for correct answers.
常見錯誤
x — adjective
- xpositive
- xercomparative
- xestsuperlative
1. used as an official label in the past for films or shows that were considered su
used as an official label in the past for films or shows that were considered suitable only for adults, usually because they contain sex or violence
In the 1970s, many cinemas refused to show X-rated films to young viewers.
The movie was given an X rating because of its violent scenes and strong language.
X rating for violence and language
Nora's grandmother was shocked when she learned the play had an X rating.
Video rental stores used to keep X-rated DVDs behind a curtain away from children.
The X rating system was replaced by the modern NC-17 label in the US.
- adult
a broader, more neutral term; 'adult content' is the modern equivalent
- pornographic
stronger connotation, specifically sexual content; more direct and less euphemistic than X-rated
- PG
suitable for children with parental guidance
- family-friendly
suitable for all ages
文法句型
X-rated [noun]
X rating
用法筆記
The X rating was used in the United States from 1968 until 1990, when it was replaced by NC-17. The term 'X-rated' is still used informally to describe any adult-oriented content.
常見錯誤
x — verb
- xpresent simple I / you / we / they
- xes3rd person singular
- xing-ing form
- xedpast simple
1. to draw an X through a written item on a list or document to remove it or show t
to draw an X through a written item on a list or document to remove it or show that it has been dealt with
Elena xed out the completed tasks on her to-do list before lunch.
x out completed tasks
The manager xed out the names of employees who had already left the company.
Please x out any items on the list that you have already bought this week.
The editor xed out several paragraphs to make the article shorter and clearer.
Old entries that are not needed can be xed out with one pen stroke.
- cross out
more common; can be used in any register, not just informal
- delete
used for digital removal; more formal and general
- strike through
more formal, often used in editing
文法句型
x [noun] out
be xed out
用法筆記
Typically used as the phrasal verb 'x out'. The past tense is usually spelled 'xed out' or 'x'd out'. This verb is mostly used in informal, written contexts such as to-do lists, forms, or drafts.