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DictionaryRoot: -io
Latin

-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

  • -io
  • -ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
  • -ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

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noun

exception

ik-SEP-shun/ɪkˈsepʃn/

A case that does not follow the usual rule or pattern.

The guide dog is an exception to the shop's rule excluding dogs.

A guide dog accompanying a blind shopper is admitted through a shop entrance marked with a crossed-out dog pictogram, while an ordinary pet dog waits outside with its owner.
Etymology
exLatinout, away; also thoroughly
+ceptLatintake, hold, seize
+ionLatinan action, process, or result

The underlying image is “taking out”: removing something from the scope of a rule. The word shifted from the act of excluding to the person or case excluded.

In context

The Scottish Parliament13:00
the review team has managed to contact all families with the exception of one. Regrettably, despite extensive efforts by the team and by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, one family has not been able to be contacted.
First Minister's Questions - 27 May 2021

More examples

  • The library opens daily, with the exception of Sundays.
  • We usually require reservations, but we can make an exception.
  • There are a few exceptions to this spelling rule.

Forms

exception · exceptions

exceptional adjective — Unusual or outside the normal pattern.

Similar words

anomaly
Emphasizes a noticeable departure from what is expected.
exemption
Specifically releases someone or something from a requirement.