Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Unusually good; outstanding; much better than average: Used to describe something or someone that is extraordinarily good, superior, or excellent in quality or ability.
   • Not typical; unusual; deviating from the norm: Used to describe something that is an exception to the general rule, often because it is rare or uncommon.

Usage

• Describing Superior Quality or Ability: When something or someone is far above the ordinary standard.
  • She showed exceptional talent in mathematics from a young age.
  • The restaurant is known for its exceptional service.
• Describing Something Unusual or Atypical: When something is rare, uncommon, or does not follow the usual pattern.
  • This warm weather is exceptional for January.
  • He requires exceptional care due to his medical condition.

Examples

• As an adjective:
  • The team's performance was exceptional; they deserved to win the championship.
  • We are looking for candidates with exceptional leadership skills.
  • An event of exceptional importance requires careful planning.
  • It takes exceptional courage to speak out in that situation.

Advanced Usage

• "Exceptional to": (Less common) Used to indicate something is an exception to a rule or statement.
  • This rule applies to everyone, exceptional to no one.
• In formal/legal contexts: Refers to circumstances that are extraordinary or outside the normal course of events.
  • The judge granted an exceptional pardon due to the unique circumstances.

Variants and Related Words

• Exceptionally (adverb): To an unusual degree; extremely.
  • She is an exceptionally fast learner.
• Exception (noun): A case that does not follow a rule or generalization.
  • Most students passed the test, with one notable exception.

Synonyms

• Outstanding: Very good; standing out from others.
• Extraordinary: Very unusual or remarkable.
• Phenomenal: Very remarkable; extraordinary.
• Unusual: Not habitually or commonly occurring or done.
• Rare: Not occurring very often.

Antonyms

• Average: Typical or normal.
• Ordinary: With no special or distinctive features; normal.
• Common: Occurring, found, or done often; prevalent.
• Usual: Habitually or typically occurring or done.

Idioms and Phrases

• 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 very punctual, so his being late today is the exception that proves the rule.
• Make an exception: To allow a rule not to be followed in a particular case.
  • We don't usually allow pets, but we'll make an exception for your guide dog.

Adjective

1. deviating widely from a norm of physical or mental ability; used especially of children below normal in intelligence
   • special educational provisions for exceptional children
2. surpassing what is common or usual or expected
   • he paid especial attention to her
   • exceptional kindness
   • a matter of particular and unusual importance
   • a special occasion
   • a special reason to confide in her
   • what's so special about the year 2000?
3. far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree
   • a night of exceeding darkness
   • an exceptional memory
   • olympian efforts to save the city from bankruptcy
   • the young Mozart's prodigious talents