exception
gb/ɪksˈɛpʃən/ us/ɪksˈɛpʃən/
B1
English
~ 2100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
something not following a rule
A person or thing that is not like others in the group or does not follow the usual rule.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is an exception to [rule/statement]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'exception' with 'example'. An 'exception' is something different from the rest, not a typical instance.
Synonyms
exemption (Often used for official or legal release from a rule, rather than a single irregular case.)
Antonyms
rule (The standard or general principle that exceptions do not follow.)
Collocations
make an exception
|with the exception of
|take exception to
Themes
logic
|rules
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- All the students passed the exam, with the exception of John.
- This law applies to everyone without exception.
- Her kindness is the exception rather than the rule.
- We usually close at 6 p.m., but we’ll make an exception tonight.
- There are a few exceptions to this policy.
Learner examples
- Everyone is here, with the exception of Tom.
- This shop is open every day without exception.
- She is an exception because she works on Sunday.
- We will make an exception for you today.
Noun
B2
entity
2
objection to a statement or action
A way of saying you do not agree with something.
Usage pattern:
take exception to [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'take exception' means to make an excuse; it actually means to object or be offended.
Synonyms
objection (More formal and legalistic; 'exception' in this sense is often idiomatic.)
Antonyms
acceptance (Showing agreement or approval instead of disagreement.)
Collocations
take strong exception
|no exception taken
Themes
emotions
|conflict
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I take exception to your tone of voice.
- She took exception to the way he spoke to her.
- They took no exception to the proposal.
Learner examples
- I take exception to that remark.
- He took exception to her comment.
- She takes exception when people are rude.
Grammar
Dictionary form
exception
IPA
GB/ɪksˈɛpʃən/
US/ɪksˈɛpʃən/
Syllables & stress
ex - cep - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cep)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: exception
- Plural: exception, exceptions
Word family
Expressions
make an exception
1/mˈeɪk ən ɪksˈɛpʃən/
fixed phrase
allow something outside normal rules
To allow something that is usually not allowed.
Examples
- We usually don't accept late work, but we'll make an exception this time.
- They made an exception for guests with special needs.
take exception to
1/tˈeɪk ɪksˈɛpʃən tə/
fixed phrase
object to or be offended by something
To feel upset or disagree strongly with something someone says or does.
Examples
- I take exception to being called lazy.
- She took exception to his comments about her work.
with the exception of
1/wˈɪθ ðə ɪksˈɛpʃən əv/
fixed phrase
excluding one or more items from a group
Used to say that something does not include a particular person or thing.
Examples
- All rooms are booked, with the exception of one suite.
- With the exception of Sarah, everyone agreed with the plan.