hormis

Definition & meaning

The French word hormis functions as a preposition. It is used to express exclusion, meaning "except for," "apart from," or "save for." It indicates that the person, object, or circumstance mentioned is excluded from a general statement.

• Example: Hormis? lui, tout le monde était présent. (Except for him, everyone was present.)

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: Hormis is an invariable preposition. It is always followed by a noun, a pronoun, or an infinitive verb.

Word origin: The word is a contraction of the Middle French phrase "hors mis," which literally translates to "outside put" or "put outside." The term hors comes from the Latin foris (outside, out of doors), and mis is the past participle of the verb mettre (to put).

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

• Sauf?
• Excepté?
• Mis à part?
• À l'exception de?
• Hormis que? (when used as a conjunction meaning "except that")

Antonyms:

• Y compris? (including)
• Notamment? (notably/including)