English adjective: exceptional | |||
1. | exceptional far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree | ||
Samples | A night of exceeding darkness. An exceptional memory. Olympian efforts to save the city from bankruptcy. The young Mozart's prodigious talents. | ||
Synonyms | exceeding, olympian, prodigious, surpassing | ||
Similar | extraordinary | ||
Antonyms | ordinary | ||
2. | exceptional surpassing what is common or usual or expected | ||
Samples | He paid especial attention to her. Exceptional kindness. A matter of particular and unusual importance. A special occasion. A special reason to confide in her. What's so special about the year 2000?. | ||
Synonyms | especial, particular, special | ||
Similar | uncommon | ||
Antonyms | common | ||
3. | exceptional deviating widely from a norm of physical or mental ability; used especially of children below normal in intelligence | ||
Samples | Special educational provisions for exceptional children. | ||
Similar | abnormal | ||
Domain category | psychological science, psychology | ||
Antonyms | normal | ||