exclusively

[ik-skloo-siv-lee, -ziv-]

adverb

1. solely; only; in a manner limited to what is designated.

   Upper-level foreign language courses are taught exclusively in the foreign language to help students develop higher levels of competency.

2. in a way that leaves out or shuts out all others.

   Here to talk with us exclusively in the studio this morning is the director whose film won four Oscars this year.

3. in a way that allows only wealthy or upper-class people to purchase or participate.

   Though exclusively priced—it’s not cheap—the resort offers many activities and doesn’t disappoint.

4. in a way that omits a certain thing from consideration or calculation.

   The number of days allowed for filing the report shall be reckoned exclusively of the day the event occurred.

Other Word Forms

• preexclusively adverb
• semi-exclusively adverb
• ultraexclusively adverb
• unexclusively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of exclusively¹

exclusive ( def. ) + -ly

Related Words

• alone 
• completely 
• entirely 
• only 
• solely 
• wholly