To a degree that is notably beyond what is usual.
Reach for it when intensifying praise where the departure from the normal standard is supportable
The shelter remained exceptionally quiet despite the crowded holiday weekend.
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| professional |
|
| formal | |
| literary |
playful
amazingly
Fits when delighted surprise belongs in the voice
Careful The word centers the speaker's reaction and sounds inflated in measured analysis.
everyday
particularly
Fits when one quality stands out within the current comparison
Careful Particularly need not imply an exceptional level beyond that limited group.
everyday
unusually
Fits when difference from the norm matters without automatic praise
Careful Unusually can flag any deviation and does not itself mean better.
professional
Fits when the result deserves notice or mild surprise
Careful Remarkably comments on noteworthiness and may describe a negative result.
formal
extraordinarily
Fits when the degree lies far outside ordinary experience
Careful This is stronger and more dramatic than many claims can support.
literary
singularly
Fits when a distinctive degree deserves restrained elegance
Careful Singularly is rare and can sound ironic or negative.
exceptionally well
The recycled insulation performed exceptionally well during the coldest week.
exceptionally clear
Her exceptionally clear diagram resolved the remaining disagreement.
exceptionally skilled
An exceptionally skilled conservator repaired the torn border by hand.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
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