How to pronounce exceptional
Say it like ik-SEP-shuh-nul. Exceptional has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEP).
- ik
- SEP
- shuh
- nul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Exceptional 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.
- shuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of exceptional
American and British speakers say exceptional in essentially the same way: /ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl/ in the US and /ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: ik-SEP-shuh-nul.
What does exceptional mean?
- far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree“a night of exceeding darkness”“an exceptional memory”
- surpassing what is common or usual or expected“he paid especial attention to her”“exceptional kindness”
- deviating widely from a norm of physical or mental ability; used especially of children below normal in intelligence“special educational provisions for exceptional children”
Where does exceptional come from?
From exception + -al.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying exceptional
How do you pronounce exceptional?
Say ik-SEP-shuh-nul. The American pronunciation is /ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl/. In British English it is /ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in exceptional?
Exceptional has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SEP). Broken into parts: ik · SEP · shuh · nul.
Do Americans and Brits say exceptional the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl/ and the British form is /ɪkˈsɛpʃənəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.