Ex/eks/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Weight Using 'ex' can evoke emotions; be sensitive to the listener's feelings. Talking about your ex might upset someone who's still healing. Pro Tip 2/3Neutral Term The word 'ex' is often neutral but context can make it positive or negative. My ex and I are still good friends. Pro Tip 3/3Avoid Specificity 'Ex' doesn't specify the nature of the past relationship unless paired with another word. He's my ex versus He's my ex-partner.