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excepcional

ex-sep-syo-NALeksepθjoˈnal

“excepcional” means “exceptional” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

exceptional

Also: outstanding, superb
Adjectivem or fB1
A shiny gold trophy standing on a velvet pedestal, glowing with bright sparkles.

📝 In Action

Ella es una estudiante excepcional y siempre saca buenas notas.

B1

She is an exceptional student and always gets good grades.

El servicio en el hotel fue excepcional.

A2

The service at the hotel was outstanding.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • talento excepcional – exceptional talent
  • calidad excepcional – exceptional quality

unusual

Also: exceptional
Adjectivem or fB2
A single bright blue flower growing in a field of plain white flowers.

📝 In Action

Debido a la tormenta, tomamos la medida excepcional de cerrar la escuela.

B2

Due to the storm, we took the unusual measure of closing the school.

Es un caso excepcional; normalmente no permitimos esto.

B1

It is an exceptional case; normally we don't allow this.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • inusual (unusual)
  • atípico (atypical)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • circunstancias excepcionales – exceptional circumstances
  • medida excepcional – unusual measure

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "excepcional" in Spanish:

exceptional→outstanding→superb→unusual→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: excepcional

Question 1 of 2

Which of these is the best way to say 'An exceptional woman'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
excepción(exception) — Noun
exceptuar(to except / to exclude) — Verb
excepcionalmente(exceptionally) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'exceptio', which means 'to take out' or 'to leave out'. It describes something that is literally 'taken out' of the normal category because it is so different or good.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: exceptionalFrench: exceptionnel

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'excepcional' always a compliment?

Usually, yes! If you call a person 'excepcional', it's a high praise. However, in legal or formal contexts, it might just mean 'unusual' or 'outside the rules' without being good or bad.

How do I make 'excepcional' plural?

Since it ends in a consonant, you add '-es' to the end. One thing is 'excepcional', but two things are 'excepcionales'.