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Exceptionally Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exceptionally

[ɪkˈsepʃənəli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a special or unusual way

in a way that is unusually good or of high quality

Synonyms

extraordinarily, remarkably, unusually.

Examples of usage

  • He played exceptionally well in the match.
  • The food at the restaurant was exceptionally tasty.
Context #2 | Adverb

to a very great degree

to a great extent; very much

Synonyms

exceedingly, extremely, highly.

Examples of usage

  • She was exceptionally tired after a long day at work.
  • The team performed exceptionally poorly in the competition.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often use this word when describing outstanding achievements, which can boost motivation and goal setting.
  • In positive psychology, recognizing exceptional qualities in ourselves and others contributes to happier social interactions.
  • Focusing on what makes us exceptional can lead to improved self-esteem and personal growth.

Literature

  • Writers often depict characters as exceptionally brave or clever to highlight their uniqueness in stories.
  • Literary critics use the term to describe works that stand out in quality or style compared to their contemporaries.
  • This word can also describe literary themes that challenge societal norms, showcasing the exceptional nature of the subject.

Pop Culture

  • Reality shows often highlight 'exceptional' talents, emphasizing extraordinary skills in music, dance, or cooking.
  • The term frequently appears in marketing and advertising to describe products that stand out from the competition.
  • In the realm of sports, athletes who perform exceptionally can become legends and role models for future generations.

Origin of 'exceptionally'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'excepiō', which means to take out or select.
  • It evolved in the late Middle Ages through Old French as 'exceptionnel' before entering English.
  • The prefix 'ex-' means 'out of' and 'cept' comes from 'capere', meaning 'to seize', suggesting taking out from the normal.

The word 'exceptionally' originated from the Middle English period, derived from the word 'exceptional' with the suffix -ly added to form the adverb. It has been used in the English language to emphasize the degree or quality of something since the 15th century. Over time, it has evolved to convey the idea of something being unusually good or of high quality, as well as indicating a very great degree or extent.

See also: unexceptional.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,235 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.