How to pronounce exception
Say it like ik-SEP-shun. Exception has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEP).
- ik
- SEP
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Exception pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SEPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of exception
American and British speakers say exception in essentially the same way: /ɪkˈsɛpʃən/ in the US and /ɪkˈsɛpʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: ik-SEP-shun.
What does exception mean?
- The act of excepting or excluding; exclusion; restriction by taking out something which would otherwise be included, as in a class, statement, rule.“the exception of a rule”
- That which is excluded from others; a person, thing, or case, specified as distinct, or not included.“That rule is usually true, but there are a few exceptions.”
- An objection, on legal grounds; also, as in conveyancing, a clause by which the grantor excepts or reserves something before the right is transferred.
- To throw an exception.
Where does exception come from?
From Middle English exception, excepcioun, from Anglo-Norman excepcioun, from Old French excepcion, from Latin exceptiō.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
- commonness
- generality
Words that rhyme with exception
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of exception.
- reception
- perception
- conception
- deception
- inception
- interception
- contraception
- misconception
- misperception
- preconception
Questions about saying exception
How do you pronounce exception?
Say ik-SEP-shun. The American pronunciation is /ɪkˈsɛpʃən/. In British English it is /ɪkˈsɛpʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in exception?
Exception has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEP). Broken into parts: ik · SEP · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say exception the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪkˈsɛpʃən/ and the British form is /ɪkˈsɛpʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.