Word
exceptionally
Phoneticsex·cep·tion·al·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪkˈsɛpʃənəɫi/
UK/ɛksˈɛpʃənəli/
Adverb of degree
Definition
adv. to a very high degree or much more than usual. You use this to emphasize that someone or something is much better or more extreme than others.
adv. to an unusual or remarkable degree; used as an intensifier to indicate that a quality exceeds the normal standard. Typically modifies adjectives or other adverbs.
Examples
“The weather today is exceptionally warm for winter.”
“The young pianist showed an exceptionally high level of skill during her first public performance.”
“While the entire team performed well, the lead researcher was exceptionally diligent in documenting the minor anomalies that others had overlooked during the initial trial phase.”
Examples
simple
“The weather today is exceptionally warm for winter.”
contextual
“The young pianist showed an exceptionally high level of skill during her first public performance.”
complex
“While the entire team performed well, the lead researcher was exceptionally diligent in documenting the minor anomalies that others had overlooked during the initial trial phase.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “exceptionally” in context.
Usage
Typically placed immediately before the adjective or adverb it modifies.
Pitfall
He plays the violin exceptional.
He plays the violin exceptionally.
Learners often use the adjective form 'exceptional' when an adverb is required to modify a verb or another adjective.
Real-World Examples
“It allows information to travel over long distances at high speed because the glass inside the fiber is extremely pure and its surface is engineered to be exceptionally smooth.” “Named Spea labreae, the Ice Age spadefoot toad is an exceptionally rare find—only one other extinct Pleistocene amphibian has ever been identified in North America.” “Combined with other observations, including its exceptionally high temperature, the measurements led the researchers to conclude that they were witnessing a star being ripped apart and swallowed by a black hole.” “This process creates exceptionally clear, cool and mineral-rich water.” Etymology
From exceptional + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
PREPOSITION
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/exceptionally