WordHive Learning Dictionary

Exponent

noun

a raised number showing how many times to use a base as a factor.

8 letters 3 syllables

What does Exponent mean?

a raised number showing how many times to use a base as a factor.

Updated

Dictionary definition

In mathematics, a small raised number or expression showing how many times a base is used as a factor; exponent can also mean a person who supports or demonstrates an idea.

Example sentences

Exponent in a sentence

easy

In 5³, the exponent 3 tells us to multiply three factors of 5.

medium

An exponent of 1 leaves the base unchanged.

hard

The exponent applies to the base or grouped expression immediately associated with it.

Writing practice

Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice exponent in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.

Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Exponent

Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.

Practice 1

What does the exponent 4 mean in 3⁴?

Practice 2

Which expression equals 2³?

Practice 3

Which statement is accurate?

Pronunciation coach
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Exponent

Voice settings
Sounds like

ek · spoh · nunt · strongest beat: spoh

Synonyms

Words like Exponent

indexA British mathematics synonym for exponent in expressions such as powers.
powerOften used informally for the exponent, although power may also mean the entire expression or its value.
advocateA close synonym only when exponent means a person who promotes an idea.
Antonym review

Does Exponent have an opposite?

Exponent has mathematical and advocate senses but no direct antonym. Base is the quantity acted on by an exponent, not its opposite.

Word family

Exponent word family

Base word

exponent

noun

exponents

More than one exponent or advocate.

adjective

exponential

Related to a variable appearing in an exponent or to rapid multiplicative growth.

adverb

exponentially

In an exponential manner.

Related words
Student support

Understand Exponent

Hint for students

The exponent counts repeated factors of the base, not repeated addition.

Common mix-up

An exponent does not tell you to multiply the base by the exponent. It tells how many times the base appears as a factor.

Try it in class or at home

Students build exponent cards from repeated multiplication expressions, label base and exponent, calculate small values, and write one non-example explaining the error.

Teacher prompt

Explain why 3⁴ is not the same as 3 × 4. Identify the base, exponent, factors, and value.