# exceptionally

/ɪkˈsɛpʃənəɫi/ (US) · /ɛksˈɛpʃənəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exceptionally
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He plays the violin exceptional." but "He plays the violin exceptionally." — Learners often use the adjective form 'exceptional' when an adverb is required to modify a verb or another adjective.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed immediately before the adjective or adverb it modifies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.