exceptional

exceptional — adjective

1. far above the usual standard, especially in skill, quality, or performance — so

1.形容詞B2
釋義

far above the usual standard, especially in skill, quality, or performance — so much better than most others that it draws special notice or praise.

例句

Putri's performance in the piano competition was exceptional, earning her a standing ovation.

evaluating performance: was exceptional

The restaurant received an exceptional review from the food critic for its creative dishes.

同義詞
  • outstanding

    slightly less formal than exceptional; very common in report cards and reviews

  • remarkable

    emphasizes that something is surprising or worthy of attention

  • extraordinary

    stronger than exceptional; suggests something goes well beyond even the exceptional

  • phenomenal

    informal and emphatic; often used for numbers, growth, or popular success

反義詞
  • mediocre

    of only average or below-average quality — the opposite of standing out

  • ordinary

    not special or different in any way

用法筆記

Almost always positive. This sense is most common in evaluative contexts such as education, performance reviews, and criticism of art or food. It implies a level far above 'very good' — use it only when something genuinely stands out from the crowd.

常見錯誤

❌She is an exceptionally student.
✅She is an exceptional student.
💡'exceptionally' is an adverb; after an article you need the adjective form.

2. very different from what is usual or expected; happening or existing only in rar

2.形容詞B2
釋義

very different from what is usual or expected; happening or existing only in rare or special situations — not following the normal pattern.

例句

The school runs a special program for students with exceptional needs.

collocation: exceptional needs (special educational needs)

Baraka's case was exceptional, so the committee made an exception to the usual rules.

同義詞
  • unusual

    milder and less formal; describes anything out of the ordinary

  • rare

    emphasizes low frequency of occurrence

  • atypical

    more technical; common in academic, medical, and statistical contexts

反義詞
  • typical

    conforming to the expected pattern

  • normal

    usual, standard, or expected

  • ordinary

    not special; what you would normally expect

用法筆記

Neutral in tone — this sense does not mean 'good' or 'bad,' only that something differs from the norm. Common in formal, legal, and administrative language (exceptional leave, exceptional circumstances, exceptional case). Distinguish from sense 1 (OUTSTANDINGLY GOOD): 'an exceptional student' could be a brilliant student, but 'a student with exceptional needs' is a student who needs special educational support.

常見錯誤

❌The weather is exceptional today — it is warm and sunny.' (implies positive evaluation, but this sense is neutral).
✅The weather is exceptional for December
💡it has never snowed this late in the season.' — sense 2 describes what is unusual, not what is good.