exceptionally

American  

[ik-sep-shuh-nuh-lee] / ɪkˈsɛp ʃə nə li /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• nonexceptionally
  adverb
• preexceptionally
  adverb
• quasi-exceptionally
  adverb
• superexceptionally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of exceptionally

exceptional ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

A walk in the park is nice, but it’s exceptionally nice on a beautiful spring day when the weather is perfect, flowers are blooming, and birds are singing. Think of the word exceptionally as a magic wand that upgrades adjectives from ordinary to extraordinary. For example, a good day could just be a pleasant day when nothing bad happens, but an exceptionally good day would be closer to having the best day of your life. While exceptionally usually carries a positive meaning, it can also be used to describe something that is particularly unusual, like an exceptionally large shrimp.

Example Sentences

“The increased return forecast reflects increased estimates for S&P 500 earnings following an exceptionally strong Q1 reporting season,” said a team of strategists led by Ben Snider.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

As these interactions continue, much of the gamma-ray energy becomes trapped inside the supernova debris and is converted into lower-energy visible light, helping make the explosion exceptionally bright.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

As exceptionally warm spring temperatures hit during the Bank holiday long weekend, four people died at English swimming spots.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

The exceptionally high temperatures were expected to last until the weekend.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

“I can’t tell if you’re exceptionally eccentric or just really passionate about the cultural stuff,” Dimple said after they’d walked a little ways in silence.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon

Related Words

• abnormally