ENGLISH
REFERENCE

alex

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈæɫəks// alex

n. a common name for a person, usually a shorter version of Alexander or Alexandra. It is used for both men and women.

n. a given name of Greek origin, functioning as a common diminutive of Alexander, Alexandra, or Alexis. It is gender-neutral in modern usage.


SIMPLE

My friend Alex lives in London.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager asked Alex to lead the meeting because of their experience with the new software.

COMPLEX

While historically used as a nickname, Alex has become increasingly popular as a standalone legal name that transcends traditional gender boundaries in many English-speaking countries.

Etymology 1

Clipping of Alexander, from Ancient Greek Ἀλέξανδρος (Aléxandros) 'he who wards off men', i.e. protector, possibly of Hittite origin. Also from Alexius, from the same Ancient Greek first element, "helping, defending". These two origins of Alex are indistinguishable in most languages. The female name has the same root, a clipping of Alexandra or the female name Alexis, in some cases also a spelling variant of Alix.

Etymology 2

Clipping of Alexandria.

Usage

As a proper noun, it is capitalized and typically used without an article unless referring to a specific person among others of the same name.

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