Definition of Exceptional
Quick Meaning of Exceptional
Better than average or very special; standing out from others in a positive way.
Detailed Definition of Exceptional
Unusually good, outstanding, or significantly different from what is normal or expected.
How to Pronounce Exceptional
Stress pattern: oOoo (4-syllable word).
Tip: Stress first syllable: ik-SEP-shun-ul. Don't slur the middle syllables.
Watch out: Some learners say ik-sep-SHUN-al (wrong stress).
Origin and Etymology of Exceptional
From Latin exceptio (exclusion), suggesting something excluded from the ordinary.
How to Use Exceptional in a Sentence
Each example shows “exceptional” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“Her exceptional talent for music earned her a scholarship to university.”
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“The restaurant received exceptional reviews from food critics across the city.”
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“We had an exceptional summer with perfect weather almost every day.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Exceptional
Common Synonyms for Exceptional
Smart Synonyms for Exceptional — When to Use Each
- outstanding
- when emphasizing superior quality or achievement
- remarkable
- for something worthy of notice or attention
- extraordinary
- for something very unusual or surprising
- superb
- for highest quality or excellence
Common Collocations with Exceptional
These phrases pair with “exceptional” in everyday English:
- exceptional talent
- exceptional circumstances
- exceptional quality
- exceptional performance
Common Mistakes When Using Exceptional
Even fluent speakers slip up with “exceptional”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: She is exceptional good at mathematics.
- ✓ Correct: She is exceptionally good at mathematics.
- Why: Use adverb 'exceptionally' before adjective, not adjective 'exceptional'.
- ✗ Wrong: His exception skills impressed everyone.
- ✓ Correct: His exceptional skills impressed everyone.
- Why: 'Exception' is a noun; 'exceptional' is adjective for describing nouns.
- ✗ Wrong: That's an exception student.
- ✓ Correct: That's an exceptional student.
- Why: 'Exception' means something excluded; 'exceptional' means outstandingly good.
Other Forms of Exceptional
- Noun: exceptionality
- Adjective: exceptional
- Adverb: exceptionally
Frequently Asked Questions About Exceptional
What is the meaning of "Exceptional"?
Better than average or very special; standing out from others in a positive way.
How do you pronounce "Exceptional"?
The IPA is /ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl/. Stress first syllable: ik-SEP-shun-ul. Don't slur the middle syllables.
What part of speech is "Exceptional"?
"Exceptional" is an adjective at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Exceptional"?
Common synonyms include outstanding, remarkable, extraordinary.
How do you use "Exceptional" in a sentence?
For example: "Her exceptional talent for music earned her a scholarship to university."