exceptionex‧cep‧tion /ɪkˈsepʃən/ ●●● S3 W2 noun [countable, uncountable] 
It’s been cold, but today’s an exception.with the exception of somebody/something We all laughed, with the exception of Maggie.without exception Each plant, without exception, contains some kind of salt.notable/important/significant exception With one or two notable exceptions, there are few women conductors.minor/major exception With a few minor exceptions, the new edition is much like the previous one. The law applies to all EU countries; Britain is no exception. We don’t usually accept checks, but for you we’ll make an exception (=not include you in this rule). The spelling of this word is an interesting exception to the rule. Successful two-career couples are still the exception, not the rule (=used to emphasize that something is unusual).2somebody/something is the exception that proves the rule spoken used to say that the fact that something is not true or does not exist in one situation emphasizes the fact that it is true or exists in general: Most people here are very dedicated; I’m afraid Rhea’s the exception that proves the rule.3take exception to something to be angry or upset because of something: Tom took great exception to my remark about Americans.COLLOCATIONSadjectivesan important/significant exception· The treaty was ratified by all the EU member countries, with one significant exception, Britain.a major exception (=very important)· The major exception to the general downturn, the tourism sector, has actually seen an increase in profits.a notable exception (=one that is very interesting, excellent or unusual)· The houses along the river are all relatively modern, with the notable exception of the old forge.an obvious exception· The earliest historical records, with the obvious exception of Chinese, are written in Indo-European languages.a conspicuous exception (=one that is very easy to notice)· With one conspicuous exception, Ayers Rock, the desert landscape is completely flat.a minor exception (=not important)· Everyone was in agreement, with a few minor exceptions.a single/sole exception (=one on its own)· All the men were killed, with the sole exception of Captain Jones.a rare exception· Books on philosophy can be quite dull, but this is a rare exception.phraseswith the exception of· The journey was fairly straightforward, with the exception of driving through London.without exception· Without exception, all the children were well behaved and polite.be no exception· The river floods every winter, and this year was no exception.be the exception to the rule (also be the exception that proves the rule) (=be different to most other people or things)· Most of the boys were quite shy, but Larry was the exception to the rule.be the exception, not the rule (=used to emphasize that something is unusual)· Staying married for life seems to be the exception, not the rule these days.verbsmake an exception (=deal with someone or something in a different way from usual on a particular occasion)· We usually require a 10% deposit, but I'll make an exception in this case.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Most couples who break up seem to find it hard to remain friends. Kim and Gerry are exceptions to that rule.
- Most of the students did well, though there were one or two exceptions.
- With a few minor exceptions, the legal system in the two countries is very similar.
- Women do not usually get to the top in politics, but there have been a few notable exceptions.
- A curious fact which might seem at first to constitute an exception to this explanation turns out to provide further confirmation of it.
- After discussion it was agreed that the Committee be re-elected as it was, with two exceptions.
- I had no choice but to cut back to a hands-off style-getting involved in exceptions only.
- The big exception is the most vital crop of all: sugar.
- There are exceptions, of course.
- There are many exceptions, though: In some but not most traditional human societies, men move to women.
- There is, however, an exception.
- With rare exceptions, world champions are bullied and beaten into fighting shape on the streets.
Longman Language Activatorsomeone or something that is not included
someone or something that is not included in a general statement, or does not do what most others in the same situation do: · Most of the students did well, though there were one or two exceptions.notable exception (=one that is very famous or special): · Women do not usually get to the top in politics, but there have been a few notable exceptions.major/minor exception (=an important/not very important one): · With a few minor exceptions, the legal system in the two countries is very similar.exception to the rule: · Most couples who break up seem to find it hard to remain friends. Kim and Gerry are exceptions to that rule.
all of a group of things or people all the things or people in a group: · There was no one in the office -- they were all having lunch.· The new government has banned all political parties.we/you/them etc all: · He thanked us all for coming.· I've read five of his books, and I'm not going to stop until I've read them all.all the/these/their/my etc: · Did you take all these pictures yourself?· All his clothes were spread around the room.· All the teachers in my school are women.all of: · I've used up all of my traveler's checks.· She invited all of her friends to the party.almost/nearly all: · The Prime Minister's plan would cut almost all subsidies to state-run industries.· Nearly all news organizations have refused to broadcast the victim's name during the trial.all dogs/cars/children etc (=use this to make a general statement about things or people of the same kind): · All mammals are warm-blooded.· All cars over 5 years old must have a test certificate.
all the things in a group, or all the things that someone says or does: · The customs officer asked us to take everything out of our suitcases.· Don't believe everything you read in the newspapers.· Everything in the store costs less than $10.everything else (=all other things): · I have a tent and a sleeping-bag, and Ben said he'd lend me everything else I need for the camping trip.
all people or all the people in a particular group: · I think everyone enjoyed the party.· If everybody is ready, I'll begin.· Why is everyone so excited about this tax cut?
British informal all the things in a group or set, considered together: · I left my purse with my cheque book and car keys on the kitchen table and thieves broke in and stole the lot.· Janine bought four cream cakes, but her friends didn't turn up for dinner so she ate the lot herself.
all -- used only with singular nouns: · Every room in the house was painted white.· She bought presents for every member of her family.every single (=use this to emphasize that you really mean everyone or everything, especially when this is surprising): · It rained every single day of our vacation.every single one/every last one: · The police questioned every single one of the passengers on the plane.
all -- use this to emphasize that you mean every separate person or thing in a group: · She had a ring on each finger of her right hand.· They read through each job application very carefully.· The president shook hands with each member of the team.each of: · We will consider each of these questions in turn.· She gave each of them a plate of food.each one: · George and Elizabeth had visited 15 apartments and had found something wrong with each one.in/for/to etc each: · She dug several tiny holes in the soil, planting a seed in each.we/they/us etc each: · My brother and I each have our own room.· She gave us each a pen and a piece of paper.
formal use this to say that something is true of every single one of the people or things in a large group: · Every department in this city, without exception, has experienced cutbacks.almost without exception: · Economists agreed on the President's proposal, almost without exception.
spoken informal everything in a group of similar things or all the things that are needed for a particular activity: · "What would you like on your hotdog -- mustard, ketchup, relish?" "Give me the works."· The school needs new computers, calculators, chairs, cooking utensils...basically, the works.
also the whole nine yards American spoken informal everything that you could possibly want, or expect to have: · He bought the computer, the printer, and the modem - the whole shebang.· It sounds like a great job offer -- benefits, retirement, the whole enchilada.· The guy in immigration wanted to see the whole nine yards -- passport, birth certificate, driver's license.
not including someone or something not including the person or thing that you mention. At the beginning of a sentence, always use except for , not just except: · Everyone's going except Donald.· The house was silent except for a clock chiming in the living room.· Except for a small part in an obscure movie years ago, Depardieu had never before acted in an English-language picture.
use this when you have made a statement that is true, but then you want to introduce a fact that does not match what you have said: except (that): · Celia looks just like her sister, except that her sister has shorter hair.· It's similar to Paris, except the people look a lot poorer.except do something (=that is the only thing it cannot do): · a computer that can do everything except talk
also aside from American use this when you mention one or two things that do not fit the main thing that you are saying: · This is an excellent piece of work, apart from a couple of spelling mistakes.· Aside from its mineral resources, Mongolia's major assets are its 25.5 million livestock.apart from doing something: · Apart from going swimming occasionally, I don't get much exercise.
use this especially after the words any, none, nothing, all, anyone, or everyone to show that you mean everything except the thing, person etc you are mentioning: · I can come and see you any day but Tuesday.· There was nothing left but a few dried up sandwiches.· Anyone but Tommy would have realized I was trying to apologize.
use this in a negative sentence to show that the thing, person etc that you mention is the only person or thing that is not included in your statement: · Other than at football matches, people sing less than they used to.other than to do something: · Sam refused to discuss the argument, other than to say that Diane had called him 'gutless'.other than that: · You should get a little stiffness, but other than that, there should be no side effects.
formal not including one thing, person, or group - use this when saying something about the whole of a group: · The whole school, with the exception of the youngest class, had to attend the ceremony.with the possible exception of (=but possibly not that person or thing): · I think they should all pass the test, with the possible exception of Fauzi.
use this to introduce the only thing, person, or group about which your statement is not true: · I get hardly any mail, bar the occasional postcard from my mother.· He died with no possessions bar a small piece of land in Ireland.
use this to introduce the only thing that makes a description of something not completely true - used especially in writing: · There was complete silence but for the occasional sound of distant traffic.
to let someone do something that is not usually allowed to let someone do something that is slightly different from what the rules allow, especially when you do not officially tell anyone about it: · The state government was willing to bend the rules where necessary in order to create more jobs.· I'll try and get the housing department to bend the rules for us.
to allow someone to do something that is not usually allowed: · I'll make an exception this time, but next time you hand in an essay late I won't accept it.
British a special right that a particular group of people are allowed to have, for example, by the government or by their employer: · Under the previous administration, rich landowners were given generous tax concessions.· Pensioners and disabled people get special concessions on buses and trains.
to allow someone not to have to go to school, work etc, for example because they are ill: be excused from something: · Can I be excused from swimming today? I've got a cold.· Kinney asked to be excused from his duties on the board.excuse somebody from something: · I'll try to get them to excuse me from the meeting.
if you exempt someone, you give them special permission not to have to do something that they and other people are normally expected to do: exempt somebody from something: · The new law exempts people who earn less than $8000 a year from paying any taxes.· My father was exempted from military service on the grounds of ill health.
to officially say that a rule or a legal punishment can be ignored, especially because in this particular situation it is not important or useful to keep to it: · The court decided to waive her fine as it was her first offence.· The industry asked the Federal Communications Commission to waive a rule that limits the amount of power used to send a data transmission over a telephone line.
to feel offended · She'll be offended if you don't say thank you for her help.offended by · He's always offended by jokes aimed at Irish people.offended that · He felt offended that she didn't want to go out with him.deeply offended · Some people may find rude jokes funny, but others may be deeply offended.
very angry and upset, for example because someone has done something that shows they have little respect for you or your abilities: · Molly would be insulted if we didn't go and see her while we were in town.insulted by: · Please don't be insulted by anything I say.insulted that: · He felt insulted that they had not told him about the party.deeply insulted: · We must eat as much as possible, or she will be deeply insulted.
offended, especially because someone has not included you in their plans: · The guest list was very short, so no-one felt slighted because they hadn't been invited.
offended and surprised, especially because you feel that you have not been treated fairly: · When she said I was interfering, I was a bit put out.put out about: · She was rather put out about being described as plain.put out by: · The minister was not put out by the note of impatience in Cohen's voice.
to feel offended by something someone says or does, especially something that does not seem serious to other people: · Don't mention her hairstyle. She'll probably take offence.· Please don't take offence, but I would prefer you not to swear in front of the children.take offence at: · He didn't seem to take offence at my lack of enthusiasm for his idea.be quick to take offence: · He described her as a woman who is temperamental and quick to take offence.
to feel offended by something, especially a criticism, even though it was not aimed at one particular person: · Anna took it personally when the boss said some people were not working hard enough.· This is a general criticism, so I hope none of you will take it personally.· I didn't take his rebuff too personally, since I was used to his habit of being rude to his juniors.
to be offended by something someone says or does when it was not intended to offend you and you have understood it in the wrong way: · Daniel sat in silence, afraid whatever he said would be taken the wrong way.· Don't take this the wrong way, but your driving has really improved.
formal to feel offended by something someone says, and to make it clear that you feel this way: · I took exception to what he said about my family.· Paul took exception to her advice, which he said undermined his self-esteem.take great exception to something: · I take great exception to the suggestion that I neglected my responsibilities.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYadjectives Every country in the world signed the treaty, with one notable exception – the United States.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· The treaty was ratified by all the EU member countries, with one significant exception, Britain.
(=very important)· The major exception to the general downturn, the tourism sector, has actually seen an increase in profits.
(=one that is very interesting, excellent or unusual)· The houses along the river are all relatively modern, with the notable exception of the old forge.
· The earliest historical records, with the obvious exception of Chinese, are written in Indo-European languages.
(=one that is very easy to notice)· With one conspicuous exception, Ayers Rock, the desert landscape is completely flat.
(=not important)· Everyone was in agreement, with a few minor exceptions.
(=one on its own)· All the men were killed, with the sole exception of Captain Jones.
· Books on philosophy can be quite dull, but this is a rare exception.
phrases· The journey was fairly straightforward, with the exception of driving through London.
· Without exception, all the children were well behaved and polite.
· The river floods every winter, and this year was no exception.
(also be the exception that proves the rule) (=be different to most other people or things)· Most of the boys were quite shy, but Larry was the exception to the rule.
(=used to emphasize that something is unusual)· Staying married for life seems to be the exception, not the rule these days.
verbs (=deal with someone or something in a different way from usual on a particular occasion)· We usually require a 10% deposit, but I'll make an exception in this case.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Every country in the world signed the treaty, with one notable exception – the United States.· The personal community charge is paid by all resident adults over 18 years of age with certain exceptions.· Thus, with certain limited exceptions, rape remains essentially a crime involving violence or the threat of it.· There are certain exceptions to this such as pregnant women.· With certain limited exceptions all care provisions require a permit by the youth department in order to be allowed to function.· For example, although in the last chapter I advocated a policy of not hoarding, there are certain exceptions.· It also provides certain exceptions to the general prohibition.· There are certain exceptions, for example on industrial property where no empty rate is payable at all.· The cover is subject to certain exceptions, detailed in the policy.
· But there has been an important exception.· This exception to the general rule that perks are taxable is the most important exception.· There is one important exception to this which is related to the approval process.· I have often observed to you, Watson, how important the exception which disproves the rule can be.· There are two important exceptions to this general rule.· An important exception to this principle exists in the case of buildings.
· The recommendations of the Redcliffe-Maud Commission were the major exception to this generalisation.· However, we are making one major exception.· Initial reports on cross-references by major exception conditions were provided on delivery of the system.· The major exceptions were the Decembrists.· The major exceptions have been counties in the mining areas where there has been a basis for Labour support.· There was one major exception which worked well - the Civil Contingencies Unit created after the 1972 miners' strike.· Very few projects are definitely approved, with the Space Telescope the major exception.· The major exception to this, the palace shops, have had great success.
· Third, Tempo 30 would be introduced throughout the experimental area, with only minor exceptions.· With minor exceptions, the Soviet Union fell apart in peace.
· The divisions which accompanied Mrs Thatcher's election to the leadership in 1975 have, with one notable exception, faded.· With notable exceptions, adobe slowly is giving way to cinder block and other inexpensive modern materials.· With a few notable exceptions, the policy should be similar to that advocated for younger subjects.· Yes, there have been notable but few exceptions.· However, there are some notable exceptions.· The tremor is generally diminished or abolished on purposeful movements, but there are notable exceptions to this.· Apart from a few notable exceptions, all they care about is feet through the door and selling beer.· But while most of Merseyside is invited along, there is one notable exception.
· The only exception are the birds.· Third, Tempo 30 would be introduced throughout the experimental area, with only minor exceptions.· The only exceptions are the Exhibition Hall and the Library Shop, which will operate as normal.· The only exception to this rule is where the value has been fraudulently inflated by the Policyholder.· The only exception was his Challenge Rating for Stranraer.· The only exception to this procedure was on those days that we went to a service in the church.· The only exception was the C.O. He leaned his backside against a table, arms folded.· The only exception is that some mosquitoes prefer drinking blood from group A for some reason.
· No other recipe causes so much grief, with the possible exception of chicken soup - but that's another saga!· All, with the possible exception of employer conflicts, apply with equal force to dropout rates from public schools.· Gap junctions are distributed in a wide variety of tissues, with the possible exceptions of adult skeletal muscles and most neurones.· And it is hardly surprising that she did not think of tongue speaking as a possible exception.· Each story was separate and passed on in isolation with the possible exception of the story of the Passion.· The possible exception is Pietro Tenerani, a contemporary of Canova.
· With rare exceptions, very few patients either understand or utilize the data on physician credentials that are available to them.· With rare exceptions, it was also inordinately expensive.· So the explosions have been rare, the exceptions which proved the rule.· Order and group conformity through bureaucratic systematization became the rule of the day; disobedience and open rebellion the rare exception.· In nature the green form lives in green places and the yellow form in yellow and brown places, with rare exceptions.· With one rare exception, all such cell membranes permit translocation in only one direction.· Human rights activists say that case is a rare exception.· With rare exceptions, world champions are bullied and beaten into fighting shape on the streets.
· Usually this will be a scalar polynomial curvature singularity, but a large class of significant exceptions occurs.· But with the significant exception of presidential candidate Pat Buchanan, few prominent Republicans have addressed those issues in recent months.· There is one significant exception to this and that is the use of budgetary accounting.· The sequence of observations was broadly the same with one significant exception.
· Mindless gentry - with a single decent exception.· There has not been a single exception.· Every single thing without exception has gone wrong today.
VERB· They had made an exception, but she still had to come in and read it.· However, we are making one major exception.· All the same, they do apply with sufficient frequency to make the exceptions notable.· The only way to control consumption is to issue food in small quantities, and not make exceptions.· In the examples they mentioned most often, they had made an exception for a subordinate: My biggest mistake so far.· Yet when Henry abolished the right of wreck throughout his dominions he made an exception of Brittany.· Well, Mr Nice made one exception to a rule and discovered he had created a monster.
· Alexander Proudfoot, chaired by Lord Stevens, however, has so far proved a glowing exception to that rule.· But Wisley may prove the exception.· Conversation between strange women at the beginning of a party is often strained and this occasion proved to be no exception.
· They had not taken exception to it before, so why start now?· What I take exception to is the manner in which we are presently carrying out our naval preparations.· Owen thought for a moment that he was taking exception to the casual obscenity, but it was not that.· Paul took exception to her advice and resigned.· No one could possibly take exception to this Mathis infant.· Louise picked out a pretty little pink dress that nobody could possibly take exception to and so honour was satisfied.· But Richard Gere took exception to the questions even being asked.· The man appeared to take violent exception to a Liverpool football t-shirt Terry was wearing.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
1something or someone that is not included in a general statement or does not follow a rule or pattern: - Most people our age have finished school, and Mike is the exception that proves the rule.
- Jones took exception to a comment I made about his weight.
- Dunbar could scarcely take exception to that, and changed the subject.
- Louise picked out a pretty little pink dress that nobody could possibly take exception to and so honour was satisfied.
- No one could possibly take exception to this Mathis infant.
- Not that, for the most part, there was much that visitors could take exception to.
- Owen thought for a moment that he was taking exception to the casual obscenity, but it was not that.
- Paul took exception to her advice and resigned.
- They had not taken exception to it before, so why start now?
- What I take exception to is the manner in which we are presently carrying out our naval preparations.
It’s been cold, but today’s an exception.with the exception of somebody/something We all laughed, with the exception of Maggie.without exception Each plant, without exception, contains some kind of salt.notable/important/significant exception With one or two notable exceptions, there are few women conductors.minor/major exception With a few minor exceptions, the new edition is much like the previous one. The law applies to all EU countries; Britain is no exception. We don’t usually accept checks, but for you we’ll make an exception (=not include you in this rule). The spelling of this word is an interesting exception to the rule. Successful two-career couples are still the exception, not the rule (=used to emphasize that something is unusual).2somebody/something is the exception that proves the rule spoken used to say that the fact that something is not true or does not exist in one situation emphasizes the fact that it is true or exists in general: Most people here are very dedicated; I’m afraid Rhea’s the exception that proves the rule.3take exception to something to be angry or upset because of something: Tom took great exception to my remark about Americans.COLLOCATIONSadjectivesan important/significant exception· The treaty was ratified by all the EU member countries, with one significant exception, Britain.a major exception (=very important)· The major exception to the general downturn, the tourism sector, has actually seen an increase in profits.a notable exception (=one that is very interesting, excellent or unusual)· The houses along the river are all relatively modern, with the notable exception of the old forge.an obvious exception· The earliest historical records, with the obvious exception of Chinese, are written in Indo-European languages.a conspicuous exception (=one that is very easy to notice)· With one conspicuous exception, Ayers Rock, the desert landscape is completely flat.a minor exception (=not important)· Everyone was in agreement, with a few minor exceptions.a single/sole exception (=one on its own)· All the men were killed, with the sole exception of Captain Jones.a rare exception· Books on philosophy can be quite dull, but this is a rare exception.phraseswith the exception of· The journey was fairly straightforward, with the exception of driving through London.without exception· Without exception, all the children were well behaved and polite.be no exception· The river floods every winter, and this year was no exception.be the exception to the rule (also be the exception that proves the rule) (=be different to most other people or things)· Most of the boys were quite shy, but Larry was the exception to the rule.be the exception, not the rule (=used to emphasize that something is unusual)· Staying married for life seems to be the exception, not the rule these days.verbsmake an exception (=deal with someone or something in a different way from usual on a particular occasion)· We usually require a 10% deposit, but I'll make an exception in this case.