exceptionally

[ ik-sep-shuh-nuh-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way or to a degree that is unusual or extraordinary; extremely:

   The combination of an exceptionally high tide and a devastating storm surge has wreaked havoc on coastal communities.

   In the photo, a young woman sits on the floor of a small shanty in an exceptionally impoverished neighborhood.

Other Word Forms

• non·ex·cep·tion·al·ly adverb
• pre·ex·cep·tion·al·ly adverb
• qua·si-ex·cep·tion·al·ly adverb
• su·per·ex·cep·tion·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of exceptionally¹

exceptional ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Offenders aged between 18 and 20 can now receive one when the seriousness of their crimes are "exceptionally high" even when compared to similar offences committed by those 21 and over.

From BBC

It marks a big change from the exceptionally dry, warm and sunny weather that has dominated for the first half of this month.

From BBC

"This makes it an exceptionally challenging situation," she said.

From BBC

Because of its rarity and high fatality rate, the Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation says it’s exceptionally difficult to study.

From Los Angeles Times

Cryptic pregnancies, where a woman is unaware they are pregnant until late on, or as in Bryony's case, when in labour, have been described as "rare, but not exceptionally rare" by one midwifery professor.

From BBC

Related Words

• abnormally