exit

/ˈɛɡzɪt/
way out

Take the first exit on the left.

Use the first way out on your left.


neutral

a way out of a place, especially a building or vehicle.

The emergency exit was clearly marked.

The way out for emergencies was easy to see.

Commonly used in public buildings, vehicles, and maps.

neutral

to leave a place or situation.

She exited the room quietly.

She left the room without making noise.

Often used in everyday language to describe leaving a location.

formal

to stop being involved in a situation or relationship.

The company decided to exit the market.

The company chose to stop operating in the market.

Common in business and investment contexts.

Collocations

emergency exita special door used only in emergenciesfire exita door used for escaping in case of fireexit strategya plan for leaving a situation or investmentexit doora door used for leaving a building

Pro Tip

Remembering 'exit'

Think of 'exit' as 'ex-' (out) + '-it' (like 'it' as in 'it goes out').

Gold Rule

Using 'exit' as a noun

Always use 'exit' to refer to a physical way out, not a metaphorical one.

Using 'exit' as a verb

Use 'exit' to describe leaving a place or situation, but avoid using it for emotional departures.

Word Origin

From Latin 'exire' (to go out), from 'ex-' (out) + 'ire' (to go). First used in English in the 16th century.

Usage Notes

The noun form is more common in everyday language, while the verb form is often used in formal or business contexts.

Word Breakdown

ex-
out
prefix
+
-it
go
root
English Dictionary