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

The review examined "exception" appointments, whereby the normal civil service recruitment rules are bypassed.

From BBC

The UK Home Secretary has a legal duty to deport non-British, non-Irish nationals criminals sentenced to at least 12 months in jail, with certain exceptions.

From BBC

In addition, the Legislature should give voters another opportunity to do away with the constitutional exception, particularly given the possibility that the language of Proposition 6 could have been clearer.

From Los Angeles Times

An exception is made for law enforcement investigating serious offenses.

From Los Angeles Times

The exception is that the top seeds will be drawn out of the teams who finish in the top two of each League A group - plus the four top countries by world rankings.

From BBC

Related Words

• anomaly
• exemption
• oddity
• privilege