B2noun2K

Exception

UK /["/ɪkˈsepʃn/"]/US /["/ɪkˈsepʃn/"]/

Definition

a person or thing that is not included in a general statement

In simple words: Something that does not follow a rule.

Examples

  • Everyone must attend the meeting, with the exception of those who are on leave.
  • The new policy applies to all employees without exception.
  • The program threw an exception when it encountered an unexpected input.
  • Handling exceptions properly is important in software development.
  • She makes an exception for weekends and allows herself to relax.
  • There was an exception to the rule in this particular case.

Usage notes

Use 'exception' to indicate a case that deviates from a general rule or norm. It's commonly used in formal contexts, but you can also use it in everyday conversation when discussing rules.

Grammar pattern

exception + to/for + rule

Memory hint

Think of 'ex-' like removing something; an exception is something taken out of the rule.

Collocations

  • big
  • great
  • important
  • make
  • carve
  • carve out
  • with the exception of
  • without exception
  • exception to
  • be no exception
  • be the exception rather than the rule
  • the exception to the rule
  • big
  • great
  • important
  • make
  • carve
  • carve out
  • with the exception of
  • without exception
  • exception to
  • be no exception
  • be the exception rather than the rule
  • the exception to the rule

Synonyms

  • exclusion
  • anomaly
  • deviation
  • special case

Antonyms

  • rule
  • standard
  • regularity

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'exception' with 'exceptional' which means something outstanding.
  • Using 'exception' in plural form when it should be singular.
  • Mixing up 'accept' and 'exception' in sentences.