ex-serviceman
UK[ˌeks ˈsɜːvɪsmən]US[ˌeks ˈsɜːrvɪsmən]
n
A man who has served in the armed forces, especially one who has left the service.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
service
man
ex
out of, former
service
military duty
man
male person
Etymology
The word "ex-serviceman" is a modern English compound formed in the 20th century. It directly combines the Latin prefix "ex-" (meaning "out of" or "former") with the English noun "service," specifically referring to military duty, and the Old English noun "man." The construction is entirely transparent and logical: it literally denotes a "former military-duty man." This term emerged as a standard, respectful designation for veterans, particularly following the World Wars, to specify a person who has completed their period of active service. Its formation follows a common English pattern of using "ex-" to indicate a former status or occupation.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out of, former) + service (military duty) + man (male person)
- ex: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "out of, from, thoroughly, or former."
- service: Old French origin (from Latin 'servitium'), a noun meaning "the condition of being a servant; military duty."
- man: Old English origin, a noun meaning "an adult male human being."
Examples
The charity provides support for ex-servicemen adjusting to civilian life.
Many ex-servicemen attended the Remembrance Day parade.
He found a new career as an ex-serviceman with skills learned in the army.