Exception
/ɪkˈsepʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsA case that does not follow a rule or is excluded from a general statement.
/ɪkˈsepʃən/
A person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or rule.
There are several exceptions to this rule.
💡 Simply: Imagine a classroom with a rule that everyone has to wear blue. An exception would be if someone is allowed to wear red because it's their birthday. The person wearing red is the exception!
👶 For kids: A special case. Like, if everyone has to eat broccoli but you can have ice cream instead, that's an exception!
More Examples
He made an exception and allowed me to leave early.
The rule has no exceptions.
How It's Used
"There are exceptions to the rule against hearsay evidence."
"With the exception of the first chapter, the book was fascinating."
The act of excluding or the state of being excluded.
/ɪkˈsepʃən/
An instance of being excepted.
The exception was made on compassionate grounds.
💡 Simply: Think of it like setting something aside. If you're having a party and you 'make an exception' to invite your shy friend, that's you making her an exception from the general rule of the usual invitees.
👶 For kids: When something is left out or not following the rules.
More Examples
The contract included an exception for unforeseen circumstances.
They raised an exception to the proposal.
How It's Used
"The clause made an exception for religious organizations."
Idioms & expressions
make an exception
To treat someone or something differently from the usual rule; to allow a deviation.
"The manager decided to make an exception and let the employee leave early."
From Latin *exceptio* ("an exception, objection"), from *excipere* ("to take out, except"), from *ex-* ("out") + *capere* ("to take").
Used since the 14th century to denote something excluded from a general statement. Often used in legal and formal contexts.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'except,' which means to exclude. An exception is what gets excluded.