WordGarden.ioexception
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛksˈɛpʃən/
US
- /ɪkˈsɛpʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a person or thing not included in a general rule, statement, or pattern
an objection or expression of disagreement
a formal objection in a legal proceeding
More meaningsFewer meanings
an error or unusual condition that interrupts normal program flow
Beyond the definition
Imagine you are sorting things into neat groups and following the same rule each time. Most things fit the pattern, but every now and then, one case does not. That case is an exception, something that does not follow the usual rule or pattern.
Exceptions are not always a bad thing. They can be helpful or necessary. A chef might make a special exception for a customer with allergies and change a dish to suit their needs. Or you might have an exception to your usual bedtime on a special holiday. In each case, the word is a noun that names a situation where the normal rule does not apply.
An exception is an instance or case that does not follow a general rule, pattern, or expectation. It represents a moment where things are different than usual, often requiring special consideration. For example: "The policy states no refunds, but there are exceptions for defective merchandise." This means while the standard rule is "no refunds," certain situations (like a broken item) allow for a different outcome.
Exceptions can be positive or negative. A talented student might be an exception to the low test scores in their class—a bright spot! Conversely, a sudden storm could be a disappointing exception to an otherwise pleasant weather forecast.
The word "exception" is highly versatile. You will frequently hear the phrase "make an exception," which means to allow something in a particular case even though the usual rule says no. You might also encounter the idiomatic expression "the exception that proves the rule." In modern use, people often say this when a rare case seems to stand out against a general pattern, though the phrase can be misunderstood. Ultimately, exceptions show that life does not always fit a perfect mold. They point to the cases that fall outside the norm, whether they are special circumstances, breaks in a pattern, or unusual situations.
Examples
- 1
Rule
There is one exception to the rule: children under twelve can enter for free.
- 2
Special permission
We don't usually allow late homework, but the teacher made an exception for Mia.
- Patternmake an exception for + person
treat that person differently from the usual rule
- 3
Strict rule
All visitors must sign in at the front desk, without exception.
- Phrasewithout exception
with no special cases
- 4
Film opinion
With the exception of the ending, I really enjoyed the film.
- Phrasewith the exception of
except for
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Shop hours
There are a few exceptions, but most shops close by 9 p.m.
- 6
Shared outcome
Many industries were hit by the slowdown, and tourism was no exception.
- Phraseno exception
the same as the others in this way
- 7
Offended reaction
He took exception to the way she spoke to him.
- Patterntake exception to + behavior
feel upset or offended by it
- 8
Typicality
In this field, overnight success is the exception rather than the rule.
- Phrasethe exception rather than the rule
unusual, not typical
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- make an exception
- with the exception of
- without exception
- exception to the rule
Word family
Explore
- generalization
- edge case
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- exceptionnoun
Forms
- exceptionspluralnoun