excepting

[ ik-sep-ting ]

preposition

1. excluding; barring; saving; with the exception of; except:

   Excepting the last chapter, the book is finished.

conjunction

1. Archaic. except; unless; save.

excepting

/ ɪkˈsɛptɪŋ /

preposition

1. excluding; except; except for (esp in the phrase not excepting )

conjunction

1. an archaic word for unless

Usage

The use of excepting is considered by many people to be acceptable only after not, only, or without. Elsewhere except is preferred: every country agreed to the proposal except (not excepting ) Spain; he was well again except for (not excepting ) a slight pain in his chest

Other Words From

• nonex·cepting adjective
• unex·cepting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of excepting¹

First recorded in 1540–50; except ² + -ing ²

Synonym Study

See except ¹.

Example Sentences

The pieces are near-identical, excepting the signature buttons on the Chanel suit and a few small tailoring details.

From The Daily Beast

But then, excepting Strike and his plucky assistant, Robin, almost no one in this story is particularly nice.

From The Daily Beast

I saw houses, empty and silent, with neither light nor life about any of them excepting one.

From The Daily Beast

The room was built of rose-coloured marble excepting the floor, which was tessellated in rose and grey.

From The Daily Beast

Excepting a relatively small number of children, every illegal immigrant in the U.S. entered knowing they were breaking the law.

From The Daily Beast

He was the strangest-looking creature Davy had ever seen, not even excepting the Goblin.

From Project Gutenberg

They were quite different excepting only in the fact that they also had done marvels of fighting and endurance.

From Project Gutenberg

We modestly reminded her that we always did go, excepting of course on this particular Sunday.

From Project Gutenberg

In her husband's loyalty (always excepting his feeling towards Miss Ashton) she rested fully assured.

From Project Gutenberg

Some minutes passed in silence, Norman lying still, excepting a nervous trembling that agitated his whole frame.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fewer