noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

exception

uhk-SEHP-shuhn

Exception (noun) means someone or something left out of a general rule or statement. Example: “Most of the class passed; she was the exception.”

noun

Someone or something left out of a general rule or statement.

"Most of the class passed; she was the exception."

A formal objection, especially on legal grounds.

"The lawyer took exception to how the question was phrased."

In computing, an unexpected error condition that interrupts normal program flow and can be caught and handled.

"The function throws an exception if the file can't be found."

How to use exception

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA case that doesn't follow the usual rule, or a formal objection.

Common pairings

make an exception with the exception of take exception to throw an exception

Word forms

exceptioned past tense, exceptions plural, exceptions singular

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Most of the class passed; she was the _____.

Etymology

From Old French excepcion, from Latin exceptio, built on the same root as "except."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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exclusion exemption anomaly deviation special case objection

Related words

change addition freedom opposition protest departure complaint freak

Rhymes for exception

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension oxidation

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Frequently asked questions

What does “exception” mean?

The word “exception” means someone or something left out of a general rule or statement. In plain terms, a case that doesn't follow the usual rule, or a formal objection.

How do you pronounce “exception”?

“Exception” is pronounced uhk-SEHP-shuhn (/əkˈsɛpʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “exception” in a sentence?

Here is “exception” used in a sentence: “Most of the class passed; she was the exception.”

What part of speech is “exception”?

“Exception” is a noun.

Where does the word “exception” come from?

The word “exception” comes from Latin. From Old French excepcion, from Latin exceptio, built on the same root as "except.".

Is “exception” a common word?

“Exception” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “exception” have?

“Exception” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone or something left out of a general rule or statement.

What is the difference between an exception and an exemption?

An exception is a person or thing left out of a general rule. An exemption is a formally granted freedom from a rule, duty, or payment, such as a tax exemption, which is usually deliberate and official.

What is the difference between an exception and an anomaly?

An exception is something deliberately left out of a stated rule. An anomaly is something that simply differs from the usual pattern, often unexpectedly and without any rule being made for it.

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