French word

exceptionnellement

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛksɛpsjonɛləmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adverbunusually

Example

Aujourd'hui, les magasins sont exceptionnellement ouverts.

Today, the stores are unusually open.

Illustration for exceptionnellement (unusually)

More examples

Il est arrivé exceptionnellement tard.

He arrived exceptionally late.

Core concept

A familiar expectation with one case standing strikingly outside it.

Common phrases

  • exceptionnellement tard

    exceptionally late

  • exceptionnellement tôt

    exceptionally early

Similar words

particulièrement: Especially in a particular respect.
temporairement: For a limited period rather than permanently.
spécialement: For a particular purpose or person.

Definition in French

Marque qu'une qualité ou une action atteint un degré exceptionnellement élevé, équivalent à «très» dans certains contextes.

Word origin

French formed exceptionnellement from exceptionnel by adding the adverbial ending -ment; the adjective is related to exception, which comes ultimately from Latin exceptio.

Usage tips

  • With a verb, exceptionnellement can mean unusually or only in a special case, so context determines whether it expresses rarity or strong degree.

Other meanings

  • exceptionallyadverb
  • extremelyadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word