ex-soldier
UK[ˌeks ˈsəʊldʒə(r)]US[ˌeks ˈsoʊldʒər]
n
a person who used to be a soldier but is no longer serving in the army.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
soldier
ex
former
soldier
member of an army
Etymology
the word "ex-soldier" is a modern english compound formed by directly attaching the latin prefix "ex-", meaning "out of" or "former", to the existing noun "soldier". the term "soldier" itself has a fascinating journey, originating from the latin solidus, a type of roman gold coin used to pay troops. this evolved through old french soudier to mean a man-at-arms serving for pay. the compound "ex-soldier" logically and transparently denotes one who has moved "out of" that state of service, creating a precise term for a former military member without the need for a new root word.
Analysis
Structure: ex (former) + soldier (member of an army)
- ex: from latin, a prefix meaning "out of, from, former".
- soldier: from middle english, ultimately from latin solidus (a gold coin, later a term for a paid fighting man), functioning as the base noun.
Examples
the charity provides support networks for ex-soldiers adjusting to civilian life.
as an ex-soldier, he brought a unique sense of discipline to his new career.
several ex-soldiers were honored at the veterans day ceremony.