Definition

Adverb: 1. To an unusual or extraordinary degree; far beyond the average or norm. Used to emphasize that something is much greater, better, worse, etc., than usual. 2. In a way that is an exception to a general rule or pattern. Used to describe something that stands out as different from the rest.

Usage and Examples

• The new software is exceptionally fast, loading complex files in seconds.
• She handled the crisis exceptionally well, remaining calm under immense pressure.
• This year has been exceptionally dry, leading to water shortages.
• The team performed exceptionally, breaking several long-standing records.

Advanced Usage

• Used for emphasis with adjectives: "Exceptionally" is most commonly used to intensify an adjective (e.g., ).
• Used to modify adverbs: It can also modify other adverbs to intensify them (e.g., ).
• Used to modify verbs: It can modify a verb to describe the manner of an action (e.g., ).

Variants and Related Words

• Exceptional (adjective): Unusual; not typical.
• Exception (noun): A case that does not follow a rule; something excluded.

Synonyms

• Extremely
• Remarkably
• Extraordinarily
• Unusually
• Outstandingly
• Exceedingly

Antonyms

• Typically
• Normally
• Ordinarily
• Averagely
• Unremarkably

Related Phrases and Idioms

• The exception that proves the rule: A saying used when an exception to a rule is used to confirm that the rule exists and is generally true.

Adverb

1. to an exceptional degree
   • it worked exceptionally well