exception

[ ik-sep-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of excepting or the fact of being excepted.
2. something excepted; an instance or case not conforming to the general rule.
3. an adverse criticism, especially on a particular point; opposition of opinion; objection; demurral:

   a statement liable to exception.

4. Law.
   1. an objection, as to a ruling of the court in the course of a trial.
   2. a notation that an objection is preserved for purposes of appeal:

      saving an exception.

exception

/ ɪkˈsɛpʃən /

noun

1. the act of excepting or fact of being excepted; omission
2. anything excluded from or not in conformance with a general rule, principle, class, etc
3. criticism, esp when it is adverse; objection
4. law (formerly) a formal objection in the course of legal proceedings
5. law a clause or term in a document that restricts the usual legal effect of the document
6. take exception
   1. usually foll by to to make objections (to); demur (at)
   2. often foll by at to be offended (by); be resentful (at)

Other Words From

• ex·ception·less adjective
• preex·ception noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exception¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English excepcioun, from Latin exceptiōn-, stem of exceptiō; equivalent to except ¹ + -ion

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. take exception,
   1. to make an objection; demur:

      They took exception to several points in the contract.

   2. to take offense:

      She took exception to what I said about her brother.

More idioms and phrases containing exception

• except for (with the exception of)
• make an exception
• take exception to

Example Sentences

That medical exception is even stricter than usual for state laws in applying only to threats to life.

From Slate

“The legislature’s decision to redefine an exception,” the court explained, “does not necessarily mean that the framers of our Constitution intended to enshrine the excepted conduct as a fundamental right.”

From Slate

In the abstract, does a ban sound better with an exception for sexual assault?

From Slate

With the exception of the first half of the opener against Poland, Scotland have performed well, even if results have not neccessarily followed.

From BBC

"Test matches against South Africa are always thrilling contests, and I'm sure Saturday will be no exception."

From BBC

Related Words

• anomaly
• exemption
• oddity
• privilege