exceptionally
ihk-SEHP-shuh-nuh-lee
Exceptionally (adverb) means to an unusually high or remarkable degree. Example: “The weather has been exceptionally warm this month.”
adverb
1
To an unusually high or remarkable degree.
"In 1957, an exceptionally severe hailstorm struck the village."
"The shed, a steel-framed structure with a single-span roof devoid of intermediate support, is exceptionally well-lit by continuous glazing on the roof and along much of the sides, while there is fluorescent roof lighting for night work."
— , New Eastern Region diesel depot at Finsbury Park (1960)
"“At current and foreseeable oil prices, the industry’s appetite to drill in ANWR will be exceptionally low and quite possibly will be zero,” Pavel Molchanov, energy analyst at Raymond James, told CNN Business."
— Matt Egan, It’s a bizarre time for Trump to open Alaska’s Arctic refuge up to oil drilling (2020)
"The weather has been exceptionally warm this month."
"The soup was exceptionally good, so I asked for the recipe."
"Our new puppy is exceptionally clever and learns tricks in minutes."
How to use exceptionally
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRemarkably or unusually — often intensifying an adjective that follows.
Common pairings
exceptionally well
exceptionally rare
exceptionally good
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more exceptionally
- Superlative
- most exceptionally
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The weather has been _____ warm this month.
Etymology
From exceptional + the adverb suffix -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for exceptionally
See all rhymes for exceptionally →Frequently asked questions
What does “exceptionally” mean?
The word “exceptionally” means to an unusually high or remarkable degree. In plain terms, remarkably or unusually — often intensifying an adjective that follows.
How do you pronounce “exceptionally”?
“Exceptionally” is pronounced ihk-SEHP-shuh-nuh-lee (/ɪkˈsɛp(t)ʃənəli/ in IPA).
How do you use “exceptionally” in a sentence?
Here is “exceptionally” used in a sentence: “The weather has been exceptionally warm this month.”
What part of speech is “exceptionally”?
“Exceptionally” is an adverb.
Is “exceptionally” a common word?
“Exceptionally” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between exceptionally and extremely?
Exceptionally suggests a degree that stands out as unusual or remarkable compared to the norm, often carrying a positive connotation. Extremely simply indicates a high intensity or degree without necessarily implying that it is uncommon or noteworthy.
Is exceptionally used for positive or negative qualities?
Exceptionally is most often used to intensify positive qualities, as in "exceptionally talented," but it can also modify negative qualities, such as "exceptionally difficult," simply to show the degree is unusually high.
What kinds of words does exceptionally typically modify?
Exceptionally usually modifies adjectives, such as "exceptionally clear" or "exceptionally rare," to show that a quality exists to an unusually high or remarkable degree.
