Exceptional
Pronunciation
/ɪkˈsɛpʃənl/
Definitions
- Adjective: Unusual or rare, often surpassing the ordinary standard or expectations.
- Adjective: Of a very high quality or degree, often worthy of special recognition.
Usage Examples
- "Her performance in the competition was exceptional, earning her first place."
- "The restaurant is known for its exceptional service and exquisite food."
- "He is an exceptional student who consistently excels in every subject."
- "It was an exceptional achievement to complete the marathon in under three hours."
Etymology
First recorded in the mid-17th century, the word "exceptional" is derived from the Latin word "excipere," meaning "to take out, to exclude," combined with the suffix "-al," indicating an adjective that describes a characteristic. The term originally referred to something that was excluded from a rule or norm, and over time, it evolved to describe something that is unusually good or noteworthy.
Synonyms
- Outstanding
- Remarkable
- Extraordinary
- Noteworthy
- Superior
Antonyms
- Ordinary
- Common
- Unremarkable
- Average
- Inferior
Translations
| Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
| Arabic | استثنائي | /ɪsɪθnɑːʔi/ |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 卓越的 | /zhuó yuè de/ |
| French | Exceptionnel | /ɛksɛpʃəˈnɛl/ |
| German | Außergewöhnlich | /ˈaʊsɐɡəˌveːnʏçlɪç/ |
| Hindi | असाधारण | /asādhāraṇ/ |
| Italian | Eccezionale | /etʃettsjoˈnale/ |
| Japanese | 例外的な | /reigaiteki na/ |
| Spanish | Excepcional | /eksɛpθjonaˈβle/ |
| Russian | Исключительный | /isklʲʉˈt͡ɕitʲɪlʲnɨj/ |
| Portuguese | Excepcional | /ɛksɛpˈsjonal/ |
| Swahili | Ajabu | /ajabu/ |
| Turkish | İstisnai | /istisˈnaj/ |
| Greek | Εξαιρετικός | /eksɛretikós/ |
| Finnish | Poikkeuksellinen | /ˈpoikːeukselliˈnen/ |
| Polish | Wyjątkowy | /vɨˈjɔntkɔvɨ/ |
| Korean | 예외적인 | /yewejeogin/ |
| Hebrew | יוצא דופן | /yotse dofen/ |
| Thai | ยอดเยี่ยม | /yɔ̀ːt jîam/ |
| Vietnamese | Đặc biệt | /ɗaːk˧˨ bɪət˧/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In American English: /ɪkˈsɛpʃənl/
- In British English: /ɪkˈsɛpʃənl/
- In Australian English: /ɪkˈsɛpʃənl/
Historical Usage
The term "exceptional" originated from the Latin word "excipere," which means to exclude or take out. Initially, the term was used to describe something that was excluded from a general rule. Over time, it evolved into its modern sense, describing something that stands out as being markedly better or different from the norm, often in a positive way. Its usage has expanded from specific legal and formal contexts to more general applications in everyday language.
Cultural Nuances
The concept of "exceptional" is tied to the recognition of extraordinary abilities, achievements, or qualities. In various cultures, it may be used to describe individuals who outperform others in areas such as education, sports, or the arts. In some contexts, the term is also used to highlight unusual occurrences or rare events that defy typical expectations or outcomes. The use of "exceptional" can often signal admiration or respect for someone's abilities or accomplishments.
More Information
"Exceptional" is a term that denotes a high degree of quality or rarity. It is often used to describe individuals, performances, or actions that stand out for their excellence, rarity, or extraordinary nature. It is frequently applied in both professional and personal contexts to praise achievements, such as exceptional work, talent, or contributions. Over time, the word has become synonymous with greatness and is widely used to convey admiration and approval for remarkable feats or qualities.