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.
Etymology
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 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.
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.