French word

exception

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛksɛpsjɔ̃/

Meaning

  • feminine nounexception

Example

Je peux faire une exception cette fois.

I can make an exception this time.

Illustration for exception (exception)

More examples

Cette loi prévoit une exception en cas d'urgence.

This law provides for an exception in case of emergency.

Core concept

A small carve-out from a general rule that receives its own treatment.

Common phrases

  • faire une exception

    make an exception

  • être une exception

    be an exception

Similar words

cas: A particular instance, event, or situation.

Definition in French

Cas particulier qui n'obéit pas à une règle générale et qui reçoit un traitement différent.

Word origin

The noun derives from Latin exceptio and the verb excipere, formed from ex, meaning out, and capere, meaning take.

Usage tips

  • French uses exception with faire for a special allowance, while faire exception à means to depart from or not follow a rule.

Other meanings

  • special casenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word