Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

exceptional

 adjective
     
ex‧cep‧tion‧al
1 unusually good [= outstanding]:
an exceptional student
exceptional bravery
2 unusual and likely not to happen often:
This is an exceptional case; I've never seen anything like it before.
Promotion in the first year is only given in exceptional circumstances.
 ➔ see usage note unusual
WORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE:

unusual, strange, odd, bizarre, extraordinary, exceptional, remarkableUnusual is neither approving nor disapproving • a suit made of unusual material • an unusual name • Her response was unusual.Strange and odd mean unusual in a way that you cannot understand. They are sometimes used to show slight disapproval or distrust • a very strange man • I found his attitude a bit odd.Bizarre means very unusual, especially in a way that you think is amusing or that is hard to believe • a bizarre haircut Extraordinary can be approving or disapproving, but suggests approval when it is used to describe a person • What an extraordinary idea! (can suggest you strongly disagree) • My mother was an extraordinary woman (=very impressive, talented etc).Exceptional and remarkable often mean unusually good or impressive • a writer of exceptional talent • a remarkable film ➔ See also unusual
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
 
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