Definition

1. Preposition:

   • Not including; excluding: Used to introduce the only thing or person that is not included in a statement.
   • With the exception of: Indicates an exclusion from a general rule or statement.

2. Conjunction:

   • Unless: (Archaic) Used to introduce a clause that states an exception to what has just been said.

3. Verb:

   • To exclude; to leave out: To specify as not included.
   • To object; to take exception: To make an objection or express dissent.

Usage Examples

• Preposition:

  • The museum is open daily except Mondays.
  • Everyone was invited except John.

• Conjunction (Archaic):

  • I would go, except I have no money. (Meaning: unless I have no money)

• Verb:

  • The report excepted the data from the faulty sensor. (Meaning: excluded)
  • I must except to your characterization of the event. (Meaning: object to)

Advanced Usage

• "except for": Used to introduce the only thing that prevents the main statement from being completely true.

  • The room was silent except for the ticking of the clock.

• "except that": Used to introduce a clause which states an exception or qualification.

  • The plan is perfect, except that it's too expensive.

Variants and Related Words

• Exception (n): A person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or rule.

  • All students must attend, with no exceptions.

• Exceptional (adj): Unusually good; outstanding. Also, not following the general rule.

  • She showed exceptional talent.

• Exceptionable (adj): Open to objection; causing disapproval.

  • There was nothing exceptionable in his conduct.

Synonyms

• Excluding (prep): Not including.
• Barring (prep): Except for; if not for.
• Save (prep/conj): (Formal) Except; other than.
• Object (v): To express disapproval or opposition.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Except against (v): (Formal) To make an objection to something.
  • The lawyer excepted against the judge's ruling.

Related Idioms

• The exception that proves the rule: A saying meaning that an exception to a rule serves to confirm that the rule exists.

  • He's usually late, so his being on time today is the exception that proves the rule.

• With the exception of: Except for; apart from.

  • With the exception of one B, her grades were all A's.

Verb

1. prevent from being included or considered or accepted
   • The bad results were excluded from the report
   • Leave off the top piece
2. take exception to
   • he demurred at my suggestion to work on Saturday