exceptionalism

[ ik-sep-shuh-nl-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the condition of being exceptional; uniqueness.
2. the study of the unique and exceptional.
3. a theory that a nation, region, or political system is exceptional and does not conform to the norm.

exceptionalism

/ ɪkˈsɛpʃənəlɪzəm /

noun

1. an attitude to other countries, cultures, etc based on the idea of being quite distinct from, and often superior to, them in vital ways

Word History and Origins

Origin of exceptionalism¹

First recorded in 1925–30; exceptional ( def ) + -ism ( def )

Example Sentences

But he offers a rare sense of optimism and a reminder of the mid-century California exceptionalism that is increasingly hard to find in the Golden State.

From Los Angeles Times

“That’s been an exceptionalism of the U.S. economy — waves of immigration,” said Juneau.

From Los Angeles Times

"What stands out in the agendas of both Harris and Trump is that while they claim to advance ideological purity—progress, innovation, and personal liberty on the one hand versus protectionism, exceptionalism, and racial homogenization on the other—both are ultimately entrenched in a neoliberal framework," Caivano said.

From Salon

It's a constant that remains despite the fiction of American exceptionalism and the many myths about whiteness, both big and small, which pretend racism and white supremacy are somehow the backstage or side stage instead of the main stage of American life.

From Salon

Thus, the American people and their political elites are unable to effectively respond to Trumpism and the neofascist-white authoritarian movement because they still believe in the fiction of American exceptionalism and that fascism is something “over there” rather than homegrown.

From Salon