Meaning & use
exponent
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Meanings
nouncountablemathematics
A small raised number showing how many times a number is multiplied by itself.
Grammar: In 2 cubed, 3 is the exponent.
Patterns
- the exponent of something
In 5 squared, the exponent is 2.
Add the exponents when you multiply powers of the same base.
A negative exponent means a reciprocal.
nouncountableformal
A person who supports and promotes an idea, cause or method.
Grammar: Usually with of: an exponent of free trade.
Patterns
- an exponent of something
She is a leading exponent of renewable energy.
He was an early exponent of this theory.
The mayor is an exponent of public transport.
nouncountableformal
A person who performs or practices a skill or style.
Grammar: Often in arts or sports.
Patterns
- an exponent of something
He is a skilled exponent of the violin.
She is the finest exponent of the style.
A famous exponent of jazz piano.
Word forms
| plural | exponents |
|---|
Common combinations
- negative exponent
- A negative exponent flips the base.
- leading exponent
- He is a leading exponent of reform.
- exponent of
- She is an exponent of peace.
- fractional exponent
- A fractional exponent shows a root.
Synonyms and how they differ
- power
- Power is the common math word that can mean the result.
- advocate
- Advocate stresses openly speaking in support.
- champion
- Champion suggests fighting hard for a cause.
- proponent
- Proponent is a close formal synonym.
Opposites
Word family
- exponential adjective
- growing faster and faster
- exponentially adverb
- at a rapidly increasing rate
- expound verb
- to explain in detail
Commonly confused: exponent or opponent? exponent or component?
exponent vs opponent
An opponent is against you; an exponent supports an idea.
exponent vs component
A component is a part.
Practice
In 7^3, what is the exponent?
Choose one answer.
The exponent is the small raised number, 3. 343 is the result.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “exponent”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.