The letter X is one of the most infrequently used words in the English language (only Q and Z are used less). As a result, there are very few adjectives that start with X. In fact, there are only about 120 words total that begin with the letter X.
Table of Contents
Adjectives that Start with X
Descriptive Adjectives Beginning with X
There are 41 descriptive adjectives that start with x.
- X-acto
- Xanthian
- Xanthic
- Xanthochromatic
- Xanthogenic
- Xanthopous
- Xanthoproteic
- Xanthous
- Xany
- Xaroncharoo
- Xenacious
- Xenial
- Xenic
- Xenobiotic
- Xenodochial
- Xenoglossic
- Xenophobic
- Xerarch
- Xeric
- Xeronic
- Xerophilious
- Xeropilous
- Xerothermic
- Xian
- Xilinous
- Xiphisternal
- Xiphoid
- Xipioid
- X-linked
- Xloid
- Xlotomous
- Xoba
- Xonked
- X-rated
- X-rayed
- Xrayic
- Xresic
- XXenogenic
- Xyletic
- Xyloid
- Xylotomous
The majority of words that begin with X are very uncommonly used. In fact, of this list of adjectives, the only ones you will likely hear in every day usage are “X-rated” and “X-rayed.”
The Letter “X”
X is usually pronounced as “zee,” but when it follows a vowel, it may be pronounced as “ks.” When it stands alone, it is pronounced “ex.” For example:
- Xenic is pronounced “zenic.”
- Lax is pronounced “lacks.”
- X-ray is pronounced “ex-ray.”
X is often used in algebra to represent something that is unknown. Its use can be traced back to mathematician Rene Descartes. It is commonly used to represent something that is unknown, or generic. In advertising, identifying something as “Brand X” means that it is a generic product. For example, in a taste-test, a participant might be asked to compare Pepsi to “Brand X,”
In Roman Numerals, X means “ten.” This version of X is often used to make a more “trendy” or interesting name. “Generation X” is the tenth generation to be born after 1776. The “iPhone X” is the tenth version of the iPhone.
In recent years, X has been used in various ways to indicate more gender-inclusive terms. For example, “Mr.” can be converted to “Mx,” and “folks” can be converted to “folx.” Although this type of usage can be traced back to the 1990’s, it remains to be seen how widespread such uses have become. Oddly enough, in genetics, XX indicates a female chromosome, while XY indicates a male.
X is often used as an abbreviation for “extra.” For example, in clothing, “X-small” means “extra small,” and “X-large” means “extra large.”
There are several prefixes, or word roots that are frequently used with X.
Xan-
Xan originates with the Greek and means “defender of mankind.” It is sometimes used as a boy’s name. The prescription drug Xanax (used to treat depression or anxiety) is often illegality used (and abused) for a high. It is sometimes referred to in slang as “Xan.” It is usually pronounced “zan.”
Xeno-
Xeno means “alien,” “strange,” or “guest.” It often relates to foreigners, strangers, or any foreign place. In science-fiction, you will frequently see Xeno used to describe aliens or creatures from other worlds. It is usually pronounced “zeno.”
Xero-
Xero comes from the Greek and means “dry.” It is usually used to form compound words such as xerophyte (which is a plant that has adapted to survive in places where there is little water. It is usually pronounced “zero.”
List of Adjectives that Start with X
Here is the full list of adjectives words starting with letter X.
- X-acto
- Xanthian
- Xanthic
- Xanthochromatic
- Xanthogenic
- Xanthopous
- Xanthoproteic
- Xanthoriatic
- Xanthous
- Xany
- Xaroncharoo
- Xboba
- Xenacious
- Xenial
- Xenic
- Xenobiotic
- Xenodochial
- Xenogeneic
- Xenogenic
- Xenoglossic
- Xenolithic
- Xenophobic
- Xenotropic
- Xerarch
- Xeric
- Xerographic
- Xeronic
- Xerophilious
- Xerophilous
- Xerophthalmic
- Xerophytic
- Xeropilous
- Xerothermic
- Xerotic
- Xian
- Xii
- Xilinous
- Xiphisternal
- Xiphoid
- Xiphophyllous
- Xipioid
- X-linked
- Xloid
- Xlotomous
- Xoba
- Xonked
- X-rated
- X-rayed
- Xrayic
- Xresic
- Xx
- XXenogenic
- Xyletic
- Xylographic
- Xyloid
- Xylophagous
- Xylophonic
- Xylotomous
Adjectives Starting with X | Images
