From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishexceptionex‧cep‧tion /ɪkˈsepʃən/ ●●● S3 W2 noun [countable, uncountable] 1 EXCEPTsomething or someone that is not included in a general statement or does not follow a rule or pattern It’s been cold, but today’s an exception.with the exception of somebody/something We all laughed, with the exception of Maggie.without exception Each plant, without exception, contains some kind of salt.notable/important/significant exception With one or two notable exceptions, there are few women conductors.minor/major exception With a few minor exceptions, the new edition is much like the previous one. The law applies to all EU countries; Britain is no exception. We don’t usually accept checks, but for you we’ll make an exception (=not include you in this rule). The spelling of this word is an interesting exception to the rule. Successful two-career couples are still the exception, not the rule (=used to emphasize that something is unusual).2 → somebody/something is the exception that proves the rule3 → take exception to somethingCOLLOCATIONSadjectivesan important/significant exceptionThe treaty was ratified by all the EU member countries, with one significant exception, Britain.a major exception (=very important)The major exception to the general downturn, the tourism sector, has actually seen an increase in profits.a notable exception (=one that is very interesting, excellent or unusual)The houses along the river are all relatively modern, with the notable exception of the old forge.an obvious exceptionThe earliest historical records, with the obvious exception of Chinese, are written in Indo-European languages.a conspicuous exception (=one that is very easy to notice)With one conspicuous exception, Ayers Rock, the desert landscape is completely flat.a minor exception (=not important)Everyone was in agreement, with a few minor exceptions.a single/sole exception (=one on its own)All the men were killed, with the sole exception of Captain Jones.a rare exceptionBooks on philosophy can be quite dull, but this is a rare exception.phraseswith the exception ofThe journey was fairly straightforward, with the exception of driving through London.without exceptionWithout exception, all the children were well behaved and polite.be no exceptionThe river floods every winter, and this year was no exception.be the exception to the rule (also be the exception that proves the rule) (=be different to most other people or things)Most of the boys were quite shy, but Larry was the exception to the rule.be the exception, not the rule (=used to emphasize that something is unusual)Staying married for life seems to be the exception, not the rule these days.verbsmake an exception (=deal with someone or something in a different way from usual on a particular occasion)We usually require a 10% deposit, but I'll make an exception in this case.
Examples from the Corpus
exception• A curious fact which might seem at first to constitute an exception to this explanation turns out to provide further confirmation of it.• There is, however, an exception.• Most couples who break up seem to find it hard to remain friends. Kim and Gerry are exceptions to that rule.• There are exceptions, of course.• The big exception is the most vital crop of all: sugar.• I had no choice but to cut back to a hands-off style-getting involved in exceptions only.• There are many exceptions, though: In some but not most traditional human societies, men move to women.• With a few minor exceptions, the legal system in the two countries is very similar.• Women do not usually get to the top in politics, but there have been a few notable exceptions.• With rare exceptions, world champions are bullied and beaten into fighting shape on the streets.• Most of the students did well, though there were one or two exceptions.• After discussion it was agreed that the Committee be re-elected as it was, with two exceptions.with the exception of somebody/something• Ragworm is the principal flounder bait with the exception of May and June when peeler crab will produce.• There was a full turn up of Liberal ministers, with the exception of Lloyd George.• Everyone was more interested in playing than reading - with the exception of Steve Vai, that is.• They represent the set of minimal units required to uniquely specify a word, with the exception of homophones.From Longman Business Dictionaryexceptionex‧cep‧tion /ɪkˈsepʃən/ noun [countable] INSURANCE a particular event or risk that is mentioned in an insurance policy as something that the policy does not coverSYNEXCLUSIONUnless the claim is ruled out by one of the policy exceptions, then every consideration should be given for settlement. 