exceptional meaning and definition

EXCEPTIONAL adjective

Definition of exceptional (adjective)

1. far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree
   • "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
2. surpassing what is common or usual or expected
   • "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
3. deviating widely from a norm of physical or mental ability; used especially of children below normal in intelligence
   • "special educational provisions for exceptional children"