ENGLISH
REFERENCE

exceptional

adj.
US //ɪkˈsɛpʃənəɫ// UK //ɛksˈɛpʃənəl// ex·cep·tion·al
  1. 1 unusually good (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    much better than what is usual or expected.

    surpassing the average in quality or ability; superior.

    Example

    The young pianist gave an exceptional performance that moved the entire audience.

    Example

    The chef's exceptional attention to detail transformed a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece that justified the restaurant's high prices.
  2. 2 unusual or rare (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    very unusual and not happening often.

    forming an exception to the normal rule or pattern; statistically rare.

    Example

    The company will only allow a refund in exceptional circumstances.

    Example

    The court granted an appeal only because the legal errors in the original trial were truly exceptional.
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  1. 3 special educational needs (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Formal Education

    used to describe children who need special help at school because they are very gifted or have disabilities.

    referring to students who require specialised instructional programmes due to physical, mental, or emotional disabilities, or giftedness.

    Example

    The school provides extra resources for exceptional children to help them reach their full potential.

    Example

    The district's budget for exceptional learners includes funding for both advanced placement courses and specialised speech therapy services.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun 'student', 'child', or 'learner'.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern education, this is a neutral umbrella term for both gifted students and those with learning challenges.
Origin

From exception + -al.

Word family

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