noun
exception
uhk-SEHP-shuhn
noun
1
Someone or something left out of a general rule or statement.
"Most of the class passed; she was the exception."
2
A formal objection, especially on legal grounds.
"The lawyer took exception to how the question was phrased."
3
In computing, an unexpected error condition that interrupts normal program flow and can be caught and handled.
"The function throws an exception if the file can't be found."
How to Use Exception
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA case that doesn't follow the usual rule, or a formal objection.
Common pairings
make an exception
with the exception of
take exception to
throw an exception
Word Forms
exceptioned past tense, exceptions plural, exceptions singular
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Most of the class passed; she was the _____.
Etymology
From Old French excepcion, from Latin exceptio, built on the same root as "except."