exceptional
gb/ɪksˈɛpʃənəl/ us/ɪksˈɛpʃənəl/
B2
English
~ 6400
kivételes, kiemelkedő, rendkívüli, szokatlan, különleges bánásmódot igénylő, sajátos nevelési igényű
B2
1
kivételes
B2
kiemelkedő
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is exceptional (at [activity])
She is an exceptional teacher who inspires every student in her class.
Kivételes tanár, aki az osztályában minden diákot lelkesít.
The team delivered an exceptional performance in the final match.
A csapat kivételes teljesítményt nyújtott a döntő mérkőzésen.
This restaurant is known for its exceptional service and attention to detail.
His research has made an exceptional contribution to the field of medicine.
Learner examples
The hotel staff were exceptional and very kind.
A szálloda személyzete kiváló és nagyon kedves volt.
Her English is exceptional for someone who started last year.
Az angoltudása kivételes ahhoz képest, hogy csak tavaly kezdte.
He is an exceptional player and scores many goals.
This camera takes photos of exceptional quality.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "exceptional" (adjective) with "exceptionally" (adverb). For example, they might say *"She is exceptionally student"* instead of "She is an exceptional student" or "She is exceptionally good." Learners may also think "exceptional" always means "different" and forget that in many contexts it strongly implies something is very good.
Meaning
unusually good; outstanding
Collocations
exceptional talent
|exceptional performance
|exceptional service
|exceptional quality
|an exceptional student
|truly exceptional
Synonyms
outstanding (Very close in meaning; slightly more common in everyday speech for people and achievements.)
|
extraordinary (Also means very unusual; can sound a bit more dramatic or emotional than "exceptional.")
|
remarkable (Stresses that something is worth noticing or talking about, not always that it is the very best.)
|
superb (Stronger praise for high quality, especially for performances, food, or service.)
Antonyms
ordinary (Describes something common and not special in any way.)
|
average (Suggests a normal, middle level of quality, not high or low.)
|
mediocre (Adds a negative tone, meaning just acceptable but not good.)
Themes
evaluation
|work
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Very, very good; much better than normal.
Much better than usual; remarkably good in quality, ability, or performance.
C1
2
Usage pattern:
exceptional [circumstances/situation/case]
Due to exceptional circumstances, the exam was postponed for a week.
Rendkívüli körülmények miatt a vizsgát egy héttel elhalasztották.
Such exceptional weather in April is almost unheard of in this region.
Az ilyen rendkívüli áprilisi időjárás szinte példátlan ezen a vidéken.
The judge stressed that this was an exceptional case and would not set a general rule.
An exceptional surge in demand caused temporary shortages in the shops.
Learner examples
Because of exceptional rain, the road was closed.
Rendkívüli esőzés miatt lezárták az utat.
The company made changes only in these exceptional cases.
A cég csak ezekben a kivételes esetekben hajtott végre változtatásokat.
This kind of problem is exceptional and does not happen often.
The heat was exceptional for this time of year.
Common mistake:
Learners often assume "exceptional" is always positive because of its "very good" meaning. In this sense, it is neutral and just means "very unusual". For example, "exceptional weather" can be extremely bad or extremely good, depending on context.
Meaning
very unusual or rare
Collocations
exceptional circumstances
|exceptional cases
|exceptional situation
|an exceptional event
Synonyms
unusual (Broad and common; does not suggest anything about good or bad, just not normal.)
|
rare (Stresses that something almost never happens or exists.)
|
uncommon (Similar to "unusual," slightly more formal and less emotional.)
|
atypical (More formal; often used in medical, psychological, or statistical contexts.)
Antonyms
normal (Describes something that fits what is expected or usual.)
|
usual (Focuses on what happens most of the time in everyday life.)
|
typical (Means something is characteristic of a person, group, or situation.)
Themes
probability
|law
|society
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Very rare and not normal; happening only in special cases.
Very unusual and not typical; occurring only in rare cases.
C2
FORMAL
3
kivételes
B2
rendkívüli
B1
Usage pattern:
exceptional [measure/provision/powers]
The minister was granted exceptional powers during the state of emergency.
A miniszter rendkívüli jogköröket kapott a szükségállapot idejére.
An exceptional provision in the contract allows either party to cancel with no notice.
A szerződés egy kivételes rendelkezése lehetővé teszi, hogy bármelyik fél előzetes értesítés nélkül felmondja a szerződést.
These exceptional measures will remain in place only while the crisis lasts.
Learner examples
The government took exceptional measures during the war.
A kormány rendkívüli intézkedéseket hozott a háború alatt.
An exceptional rule applies to workers in this department.
Az ezen a részlegen dolgozókra kivételes szabály vonatkozik.
The law gives the police exceptional powers in this area.
Meaning
forming an exception to a rule
Collocations
exceptional provisions
|exceptional measures
|exceptional powers
|exceptional authority
Synonyms
special (Very general word; in legal or policy texts it can mean that different rules apply to a limited case.)
|
limited (Suggests that the rule or power applies only to specific, narrow situations.)
Antonyms
general (Describes rules or conditions that apply broadly, not just to specific exceptions.)
|
standard (Refers to the normal or default rule or procedure that usually applies.)
Themes
law
|policy
|administration
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Not part of the normal rule; treated as a special case with different rules.
Not covered by the general rule, pattern, or arrangement; treated as a special exception.
C2
TECHNICAL
4
Usage pattern:
exceptional [children/students/learners]
The school has a dedicated program for exceptional students who require additional support.
Az iskolának külön programja van azoknak a különleges bánásmódot igénylő tanulóknak, akiknek további támogatásra van szükségük.
Funding was increased for services to exceptional children in mainstream classrooms.
Növelték a többségi osztályokban tanuló, különleges bánásmódot igénylő gyermekeknek nyújtott szolgáltatások finanszírozását.
Teachers receive training on how to adapt lessons for exceptional learners.
Learner examples
The class includes some exceptional children who get extra help.
Az osztályba jár néhány különleges bánásmódot igénylő gyerek is, akik külön segítséget kapnak.
This teacher works with exceptional students in a small group.
Ez a tanár kis csoportban foglalkozik különleges bánásmódot igénylő tanulókkal.
The school offers special programs for exceptional learners.
Common mistake:
Learners may misunderstand this technical educational use and think it simply means "very good students." In this context, "exceptional" usually refers to students with disabilities or other special educational needs, and sometimes also to very gifted students, depending on the system.
Meaning
having special educational needs
Collocations
exceptional children
|exceptional students
|exceptional learners
|exceptional needs
Synonyms
special-needs (Common modern term in education for students who need extra help; more everyday than the technical label "exceptional.")
Antonyms
typical (In educational psychology, refers to children who develop and learn in the usual way and do not require special services.)
Themes
education
|health
|disability
Definition
Having serious learning, mental, or physical differences, so a student needs special help at school.
Having significant mental, physical, or behavioral differences that require special educational services, sometimes including both disabilities and very high abilities.
Grammar
Dictionary form
exceptional
IPA
GB/ɪksˈɛpʃənəl/
US/ɪksˈɛpʃənəl/
Syllables & stress
ex - cep - tion - al (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cep)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: exceptional
Word family
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
unexceptional
adjective C1
Advanced or less common
exceptionalism
noun
Expressions
exceptional circumstances
1/ɪksˈɛpʃənəl sˈɚkəmstˌænsɪz/
fixed phrase
formal
very unusual conditions
Very unusual and special conditions, used to explain why normal rules do not apply.
Examples
- Refunds are only offered in exceptional circumstances.
- Because of exceptional circumstances, the deadline was extended for all applicants.
in exceptional cases
1/ˈɪn ɪksˈɛpʃənəl kˈeɪsɪz/
fixed phrase
formal
in very rare situations
Used when speaking about things that happen only very rarely and are treated differently from normal cases.
Examples
- The scholarship may, in exceptional cases, be renewed for a fourth year.
- In exceptional cases, patients can be treated at home instead of in the hospital.
nothing exceptional
1/nˈʌθɪŋ ɪksˈɛpʃənəl/
fixed phrase
nothing special or impressive
Used to say that something is normal or average, not very good and not very bad.
Examples
- The movie was fine, but nothing exceptional.
- His results were good, but nothing exceptional compared to the rest of the class.
truly exceptional
1/tɹˈuli ɪksˈɛpʃənəl/
fixed phrase
really extremely good
Used to give very strong praise, meaning something is extremely good, much better than usual.
Examples
- Her performance tonight was truly exceptional.
- This is a truly exceptional opportunity for young researchers.