exceptional
gb/ɪksˈɛpʃənəl/ us/ɪksˈɛpʃənəl/
B2
Inglés
~ 6400
Acepciones
0 acepciones
adjective
B2
property
1
unusually good; outstanding
Very, very good; much better than normal.
Patrón de uso:
[someone/something] is exceptional (at [activity])
Error frecuente:
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.
Sinónimos
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.)
Antónimos
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.)
Colocaciones
exceptional talent
|exceptional performance
|exceptional service
|exceptional quality
|an exceptional student
|truly exceptional
Temas
evaluation
|work
|education
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- She is an exceptional teacher who inspires every student in her class.
- The team delivered an exceptional performance in the final match.
- This restaurant is known for its exceptional service and attention to detail.
- His research has made an exceptional contribution to the field of medicine.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- The hotel staff were exceptional and very kind.
- Her English is exceptional for someone who started last year.
- He is an exceptional player and scores many goals.
- This camera takes photos of exceptional quality.
adjective
C1
property
2
very unusual or rare
Very rare and not normal; happening only in special cases.
Patrón de uso:
exceptional [circumstances/situation/case]
Error frecuente:
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.
Sinónimos
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.)
Antónimos
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.)
Colocaciones
exceptional circumstances
|exceptional cases
|exceptional situation
|an exceptional event
Temas
probability
|law
|society
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- Due to exceptional circumstances, the exam was postponed for a week.
- Such exceptional weather in April is almost unheard of in this region.
- 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.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- Because of exceptional rain, the road was closed.
- The company made changes only in these exceptional cases.
- This kind of problem is exceptional and does not happen often.
- The heat was exceptional for this time of year.
adjective
formal
C2
property
3
forming an exception to a rule
Not part of the normal rule; treated as a special case with different rules.
Patrón de uso:
exceptional [measure/provision/powers]
Sinónimos
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.)
Antónimos
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.)
Colocaciones
exceptional provisions
|exceptional measures
|exceptional powers
|exceptional authority
Temas
law
|policy
|administration
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- The minister was granted exceptional powers during the state of emergency.
- An exceptional provision in the contract allows either party to cancel with no notice.
- These exceptional measures will remain in place only while the crisis lasts.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- The government took exceptional measures during the war.
- An exceptional rule applies to workers in this department.
- The law gives the police exceptional powers in this area.
adjective
technical
C2
property
4
having special educational needs
Having serious learning, mental, or physical differences, so a student needs special help at school.
Patrón de uso:
exceptional [children/students/learners]
Error frecuente:
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.
Sinónimos
special-needs (Common modern term in education for students who need extra help; more everyday than the technical label "exceptional.")
Antónimos
typical (In educational psychology, refers to children who develop and learn in the usual way and do not require special services.)
Colocaciones
exceptional children
|exceptional students
|exceptional learners
|exceptional needs
Temas
education
|health
|disability
Ejemplos
- The school has a dedicated program for exceptional students who require additional support.
- Funding was increased for services to exceptional children in mainstream classrooms.
- Teachers receive training on how to adapt lessons for exceptional learners.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- The class includes some exceptional children who get extra help.
- This teacher works with exceptional students in a small group.
- The school offers special programs for exceptional learners.
Gramática
Forma de diccionario
exceptional
AFI
GB/ɪksˈɛpʃənəl/
US/ɪksˈɛpʃənəl/
Sílabas y acento
ex - cep - tion - al (4 sílabas)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cep)
Formas de la palabra
Adjective
- Base: exceptional
Familia de palabras
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
unexceptional
adjective C1
Advanced or less common
exceptionalism
noun
Expresiones
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.
Ejemplos
- 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.
Ejemplos
- 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.
Ejemplos
- 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.
Ejemplos
- Her performance tonight was truly exceptional.
- This is a truly exceptional opportunity for young researchers.