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

“Through their commitment to filmmaking, this year’s exceptionally talented class has made significant contributions to our global movie industry.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 24, 2026

"While the sector has performed exceptionally well, valuations have become stretched and the bar is now materially higher than it was a few months ago," wrote Tony Sycamore at IG.

From Barron's • Jun. 23, 2026

"He has led the country through exceptionally tough times with dignity and authenticity and I want to put on record my deepest thanks to him," Skates said.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

The bubble was in the debt markets, not equities, although the implosion of the banks and deep recession still hit stocks exceptionally hard.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 21, 2026

We have seen that large or dense populations arise only under conditions of food production, or at least under exceptionally productive conditions for hunting-gathering.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

• abnormally