What does exceptionally mean?
Exceptionally is an adverb meaning to an unusual or remarkable degree, used to intensify adjectives and other adverbs: an exceptionally talented musician, an exceptionally hot summer, exceptionally well written. It signals that something stands out from the ordinary run of things, and when applied to people or their abilities it is almost always complimentary. The word derives from 'exceptional', which itself traces back through Latin 'excipere', meaning to take out or except. A second, now largely formal or legalistic sense means 'only' or 'except in one case', as in 'Exceptionally, applications will be accepted after the deadline'; this usage dates back several centuries but is less familiar to modern readers. Because it resembles words such as 'especially', writers should take care not to conflate the two: something done especially well is done particularly well, whereas something done exceptionally well is done to a degree that genuinely sets it apart.
To an unusual or remarkable degree; unusually.
"The team performed exceptionally well under pressure."
Almost always placed before the adjective or adverb it modifies.
Only; except in a particular case; as an exception.
"Exceptionally, the deadline was extended by one week."
Chiefly formal or legal register; often sentence-initial.
Despite its length, 'exceptionally' can do the work of a single tiny word: it once meant simply 'except' — as in 'exceptionally, dogs are allowed here' — a use most speakers have never encountered.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exceptionally
Exceptionally comes from 'exceptional' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Exceptional' derives from 'exception', which entered English from Latin 'exceptio', itself formed from the verb 'excipere' — 'ex-' (out) plus 'capere' (to take) — literally 'to take out'. This same Latin root gives English 'except', 'accept', 'capture', and 'receive' through its later development. The adverb was established in English by the early 17th century.
How exceptionally is actually used
The degree sense is common in both formal and informal contexts and carries a strongly positive connotation when applied to people's abilities ('exceptionally bright'). The older sense meaning 'only' or 'with one exception' survives chiefly in formal or legal writing and may sound old-fashioned elsewhere.
Easily confused with exceptionally
'Exceptionally' means to an unusual degree (or 'as an exception'), while 'especially' means particularly or above all — you can be exceptionally gifted at something and especially fond of it.