exceptionalism

[ik-sep-shuh-nl-iz-uhm]

noun

1. the condition of being exceptional; uniqueness.

2. the study of the unique and exceptional.

3. a theory that a nation, region, or political system is exceptional and does not conform to the norm.

exceptionalism

/ ɪkˈsɛpʃənəlɪzəm /

noun

1. an attitude to other countries, cultures, etc based on the idea of being quite distinct from, and often superior to, them in vital ways

Word History and Origins

Origin of exceptionalism¹

First recorded in 1925–30; exceptional ( def. ) + -ism ( def. )

Example Sentences

The performances mark a sharp reversal from the past decade, when strong returns from U.S. stocks gave rise to a new investment thesis: “American exceptionalism,” the belief that strong economic growth, juicy profit margins and cutting-edge tech behemoths make America’s stock market the best place on earth for investors to park their cash.

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“This medium-term bullish shift is underpinned by fading U.S. exceptionalism, Singapore’s safe-haven appeal, attractive valuations, low domestic interest rates and MAS support,” the team says in a report.

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That being said, it is not unprecedented for the Disney theme parks to lean into American exceptionalism, although in recent years the parks have been shifting away from some of its America-centric viewpoints to showcase a more global and diverse vision.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Toxic exceptionalism is making life worse for all of us, every day.

Read more on Salon

That got me thinking about American greatness and American exceptionalism.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal