excise - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
excise Word Meanings
- to remove or cut out something, especially by surgical means
- a tax on specific goods or services
- to eliminate completely or get rid of
excise Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
excise Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɛk.saɪz/
US
/ˈɛk.saɪz/
excise Word Etymology
(a) ex- (out) + -cise (to cut) from Latin; (b) Originated from the Latin 'excidere', via Old French 'exciser'; (c) Imagine a surgeon meticulously cutting out a tumor, representing precise removal or excision, linking tax cuts to eliminating burdens.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Excise covers two related ideas in English: to remove or cut out something, especially by surgical means, and to levy a tax on specific goods or services. The verb emphasizes precise cutting or removal, while the noun refers to a duty charged at purchase or production. It can also mean to eliminate completely or get rid of something. Etymology links to Latin excidere, via Old French exciser, which helps learners remember the sense of carving away or cutting out burdens. In practice, contexts like medicine and taxation share the formal, technical tone of excise, so learners should pay attention to collocation and whether the word is doing action (verb) or naming a tax (noun).
Usage Reminders
- Remember two core senses of excise: remove a part (verb) or tax on goods (noun). Distinguish medical vs tax contexts. Do not confuse with exclude. Collocate with excise duty or excision techniques. Learn the noun form as a tax term. Practice both senses in real-life contexts.
Common Misconceptions
- Excise is only about taxes; it also means surgical removal.
- Excise is the same as exclude; they are interchangeable.
- The noun excise refers to any tax, not a specific duty.
- The word always sounds medical or legal; it can appear in general writing.
- People assume excise always implies elimination of something entirely.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Memorize two core senses separately
- Practice medical and tax collocations
- Note verb vs noun forms
- Distinguish with exclude in both spelling and meaning
- Use authentic texts from healthcare and government budgets
- Create mini glossaries for each sense
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'excise'?
A.To discuss in detail
B.To cut or remove something carefully
C.To prepare a meal
D.To celebrate an event
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that uses 'excise' correctly.
A.The surgeon had to excise the tumor from the patient's body.
B.I will excise my favorite recipe for the dinner party.
C.They decided to excise the new car for the summer trip.
D.She practiced hard to excise her dance routine.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'excise'?
A.Remove
B.Insert
C.Decorate
D.Present
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'excise'?
A.Subtract
B.Include
C.Analyze
D.Modify
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where something is excised?
A.A gardener decided to excise the dead branches from the tree.
B.The editor had to cut out irrelevant sections from the manuscript.
C.The students were excited about the upcoming field trip.
D.A team is planning to include a new feature in the upcoming project.
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