Origin: Latin suffix -al
Exceptional has 5 different meanings across 1 category:
An exception, or something having an exceptional value
"The museum displayed a single exceptional artifact from ancient Egypt that was valued far above all other items in its collection."
In plain English: There is no noun form of exceptional; it is only an adjective used to describe something that stands out as unusually good or bad.
"The exceptional was what made the project stand out to everyone involved."
Usage: Use this noun form only when referring to a specific item that stands out due to its extraordinary quality or worth. Avoid confusing it with the adjective meaning unusual or outstanding in general performance.
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"
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?"
deviating widely from a norm of physical or mental ability; used especially of children below normal in intelligence
"special educational provisions for exceptional children"
Forming an exception; not ordinary; uncommon; rare.
"The exceptional heatwave broke all previous records for summer temperatures in the region."
In plain English: Exceptional means something is extremely good, rare, or outstanding compared to what others do.
"The student received an exceptional grade for her outstanding performance in math class."
Exceptional comes from combining the word exception with the suffix -al. It entered English to describe something that falls outside the usual rule or norm.