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
1
Someone or something left out of a general rule or statement.
"Most of the class passed; she was the exception."
"The shop shuts at six every day, with Saturday as the only exception."
"Everyone agreed to share the cost, and he was the one exception."
2
A formal objection, especially on legal grounds.
"The defence entered an exception to the judge's ruling on the evidence."
"Counsel noted an exception for the record before the hearing ended."
"The lawyer took exception to how the question was phrased."
3
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."
"My program crashed because it did not catch the exception thrown by the database."
"You can write code to handle an exception so the app keeps running."
How to use exception
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- exceptions
- Third person singular
- exceptions
- Past tense
- exceptioned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Most of the class passed; she was the _____.
Etymology
From Old French excepcion, from Latin exceptio, built on the same root as "except."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for exception
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for exception →
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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