ex-navy
UK[ˌeks ˈneɪvi]US[ˌeks ˈneɪvi]
adj
Being a former member of a navy, especially the British Royal Navy or the United States Navy.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
navy
ex
former
navy
naval force
Etymology
The word is a modern English compound formed by directly combining a productive Latin prefix with an established English noun. The prefix 'ex-', from Latin 'ex' meaning "out of, from", is widely used in English to denote a former status or condition, as in 'ex-president' or 'ex-wife'. The noun 'navy' entered English in the 14th century from Old French 'navie', itself derived from Latin 'navigia', the plural of 'navigium' (ship), from 'navis' (ship). The compound 'ex-navy' logically follows this pattern, literally meaning "out of the navy" or "former navy", specifically describing a person who once served in that military organization. Its formation reflects the analytical and combinatory nature of Modern English word-building.
Analysis
Structure: ex (former) + navy (naval force)
- ex: A prefix of Latin origin meaning "out of, from, former".
- navy: A noun of Latin origin (via Old French) meaning "a fleet of ships; the sea-force of a nation".
Examples
The club has a strong membership of ex-navy personnel.
He used his ex-navy contacts to help with the logistics.
The film tells the story of an ex-navy officer adjusting to civilian life.