exceptional

UK: ɪkˈsepʃənl | US: ɪkˈsepʃənl

Definition

  1. adj. unusually good; standing out above others

  2. adj. not following the general rule; deviating from the norm

  3. adj. (linguistics) forming an exception to a grammatical pattern

Structure
except <exclude>ion <noun suffix>al <adjective suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Latin excipere ("to take out"), combining ex- ("out") + capere ("to take"). The root except evolved into Middle English excepcioun, meaning "exclusion." The suffix -ion nominalizes the action, and -al converts it into an adjective. The term originally described literal exclusion but shifted to emphasize qualitative distinction ("standing out") by the 18th century.

Examples

  1. Her exceptional talent in mathematics earned her a scholarship.

  2. This case is exceptional and requires special attention.

  3. The chef prepared an exceptional meal for the guests.

  4. His leadership skills are truly exceptional.

  5. In French, some verbs have exceptional conjugations.