exceptional
Generally, exceptional is a compliment––"the concert was exceptional" means it was better than what could have been expected. But it can also just mean unusual. "Maria gets to skip gym, but hers is an exceptional case."
Exceptional begins with the Latin prefix ex- 'out,' because something exceptional stands out in some way. In certain cases, exceptional can mean under-performing. Children with special educational needs are sometimes referred to in this way, as exceptional or special.
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surpassing what is common or usual or expected“exceptional kindness”synonyms: especial, particular, specialuncommonnot common or ordinarily encountered; unusually great in amount or remarkable in character or kind
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far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree“an exceptional memory”synonyms: exceeding, olympian, prodigious, surpassingextraordinarybeyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
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deviating widely from a norm of physical or mental ability; used especially of children below normal in intelligence“special educational provisions for exceptional children”synonyms:abnormaldeparting from the normal in e.g. intelligence and development
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Vocabulary lists containing exceptional
The word good has its uses, but with so many options for describing pleasurable experiences and admirable people, why settle for anything less than the best? For more synonym lists, explore our Say What You Mean resources.
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A new teacher inspires a class of fifth graders — but when Mr. Terupt suffers a devastating injury, his students struggle to come to terms with their responsibility for the accident.