Excepting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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excepting

[ɪkˈsɛptɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Preposition

excluding something

Excepting is used to specify what is not included in a statement or a group. Often synonymous with 'excluding', it helps to clarify that certain items, individuals, or conditions are not part of the general assertion being made. This term is frequently used in legal, formal, and written contexts to clarify limitations or exclusions.

Synonyms

barring, besides, excluding.

Examples of usage

  • Everyone is coming excepting John.
  • Excepting weekends, I am available all week.
  • The offer is valid for everyone excepting those on a list.
  • Excepting a few details, the report was accurate.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Language Usage

  • In language, 'excepting' is often used in formal writing or legal documents to clarify what is not included.
  • The phrase 'All but' can often serve as a synonym, as in 'All but one', illustrating a similar concept.
  • 'Excepting' is sometimes interchangeable with 'excluding', though 'excluding' is more commonly used today.

Cultural References

  • In literature, 'excepting' is often used in dialogues to specify what characters do not agree or want.
  • Shakespeare used the concept of exceptions in several plays, illustrating choices and consequences.
  • The phrase appears frequently in laws and contracts, shaping how agreements are understood culturally and legally.

Philosophy

  • Philosophically, the act of making exceptions forces us to consider ethical dilemmas, questioning fairness and equality.
  • Making exceptions is a common topic discussed when talking about justice and how rules can be bent for individuals or circumstances.
  • Debates around the 'principle of exception' often refer to how exceptions can undermine or challenge established norms.

Grammar

  • 'Excepting' functions primarily as a preposition in a sentence, signifying exclusion, but it can also be a gerund with the addition of 'to be'.
  • Often confused with 'accepting', the two words represent opposite actions: excluding versus receiving.
  • 'Excepting' can add nuance to sentences, clarifying specific points one may want to emphasize.

Origin of 'excepting'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Excepting' comes from the Latin word 'excipere', which means to take out or exclude.
  • The word has been in the English language since the late 14th century, initially used in law and formal contexts.
  • It is a verb form that essentially means to make an exception.

The word 'excepting' originates from the Latin word 'excipere', which means 'to take out' or 'to exclude'. It traveled through Old French before making its way into Middle English around the 14th century. Its morphological construction comes from the prefix 'ex-' meaning 'out of' combined with 'cept', from the Latin 'capere', meaning 'to seize'. Over time, 'excepting' has maintained its original exclusionary purpose and is often utilized in formal writing or specific contexts, particularly in legal language. While related forms like 'except' are more common in everyday language, 'excepting' is still important for precise expressions of exclusion in more formal or literary contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,565 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.