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B1 noun

eccezione

Practice it

Examples

1

Senza eccezioni, tutti gli impiegati devono partecipare alla riunione.

lavoro

Without exception, all employees must attend the meeting.

2

La sua onestà è un'eccezione in questo ambiente corrotto.

etica

His honesty is an exception in this corrupt environment.

3

C'è un'eccezione alla regola generale per i casi urgenti.

normativa

There is an exception to the general rule for urgent cases.

4

Quella sera, l'eccezione fu che andammo a letto tardi.

quotidianità

That evening, the exception was that we went to bed late.

5

La nuova legge non prevede eccezioni per i minori.

legale

The new law makes no exceptions for minors.

How to Use It

Usage Notes

When using 'eccezione' in Italian, it's important to consider the nuance of the context. It can be used formally or informally. For example, 'Fatta eccezione per...' means 'With the exception of...' and is a common formal construction used in written documents or speeches. Informally, one might say, 'È un'eccezione alla regola,' meaning 'It's an exception to the rule,' to explain an unusual occurrence in everyday conversation. The phrase 'fare un'eccezione' (to make an exception) is frequently used to indicate a deliberate decision to deviate from a standard. The preposition 'a' often follows 'eccezione' when specifying what something is an exception *to*, e.g., 'un'eccezione alla regola' (an exception to the rule). It's also worth noting that 'eccezione' can carry a slightly negative connotation if the exception is seen as a problem or an unfair deviation, or a positive one if it represents a welcome special case or innovation.

Word Origin

From Latin exceptiōnem (nominative exceptiō) 'an exception, an objection', noun of action from past participle stem of excipere 'to take out', from ex- 'out' + capere 'to take'. Compare French exception, Spanish excepción, Portuguese exceção.

Cultural Context

In Italian culture, the concept of 'eccezione' (exception) is widely understood and applied in various contexts, from daily conversations to legal and academic discourse. Italians often use this term to highlight unique situations, special cases, or deviations from norms. For instance, in family gatherings, an elder might say, 'Per questa volta faremo un'eccezione,' meaning 'Just for this once, we'll make an exception,' usually to allow something outside the usual rules, perhaps a late bedtime for children during a celebration. In a culinary context, a chef might refer to a specific ingredient or cooking method as an 'eccezione' if it deviates from traditional recipes to create a novel dish. This reflects a cultural appreciation for both tradition and innovation, where exceptions can be seen as either problematic deviations or creative enhancements. Furthermore, in business or bureaucratic settings, people might seek or grant an 'eccezione' to bypass standard procedures, often implying a need for flexibility within a generally rule-bound society.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions
'Eccezione' in Italian refers to an exception, something that is excluded from a general rule or principle. It signifies a deviation or a case that does not conform to the usual pattern. For example, if a rule applies to everyone, but there's one specific individual or situation to whom it doesn't, that would be an 'eccezione'. This word is commonly used in various contexts, from grammar rules to legal situations, to highlight instances that stand apart from the norm. It can also imply a rare occurrence or a special circumstance that warrants different treatment. Understanding 'eccezione' is crucial for grasping the nuances of Italian communication, as it's a fundamental concept in logic and language.
Certainly! A common way to use 'eccezione' is in a phrase like 'fare eccezione', which means 'to make an exception' or 'to be an exception'. For instance, you might say, 'La domenica tutti i negozi sono chiusi, ma questo fa eccezione e rimane aperto.' (On Sundays, all shops are closed, but this one is an exception and remains open.) Another example could be, 'Con poche eccezioni, tutti gli studenti hanno superato l'esame.' (With few exceptions, all students passed the exam.) This demonstrates how 'eccezione' is used to highlight a specific instance that differs from a general rule or statement. It's a versatile word that helps to refine the precision of communication by acknowledging deviations from the norm.
Yes, there are a few common idioms and phrases that incorporate 'eccezione'. One very frequently used expression is 'senza eccezione', which translates to 'without exception' or 'without fail'. For example, 'Tutti i partecipanti, senza eccezione, hanno dovuto firmare il modulo.' (All participants, without exception, had to sign the form.) This emphasizes the universality of a rule or action. Another useful phrase is 'ad eccezione di', meaning 'with the exception of' or 'except for'. For instance, 'Tutti erano presenti, ad eccezione di Maria.' (Everyone was present, with the exception of Maria.) These phrases are integral to expressing comprehensive statements while also acknowledging any specific exclusions, making 'eccezione' a key component of detailed communication in Italian.
The plural form of 'eccezione' in Italian is 'eccezioni'. This follows the standard rule for feminine nouns ending in '-e' in the singular, where the '-e' changes to '-i' in the plural. So, if you're referring to multiple instances of something being excluded from a rule, you would use 'eccezioni'. For example, you might say, 'Ci sono sempre delle eccezioni a ogni regola.' (There are always exceptions to every rule.) It's a straightforward pluralization, consistent with many other Italian feminine nouns, making it relatively easy to remember once you know the basic grammatical patterns. Understanding the plural is essential for constructing grammatically correct sentences when discussing multiple exceptions.

Test Yourself

fill blank

Senza dubbio, la sua performance è stata un'____ in un mare di mediocrità.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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Con l'____ di un piccolo ritardo, il progetto è stato consegnato in tempo.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
fill blank

La regola generale prevede il pagamento anticipato, ma per i clienti fedeli facciamo un'____.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Score: /3

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