The phrase "only exception" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈoʊnli/ and /ɪkˈsɛpʃən/. The first part, "only," is pronounced with a long "o" sound, while the second part, "exception," is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by the stress on the second syllable. It is important to note that this phrase should not be written as "the one and only exception," as it is redundant to use both "only" and "one" in this context.
The phrase "only exception" refers to a specific situation or circumstance that contradicts or deviates from a general rule or pattern. It denotes an individual case that is distinctive in that it stands out and does not conform to the expected norm or majority.
In various contexts, the concept of the "only exception" can emerge. In everyday life, it might describe a person, object, or event that deviates from a typical characteristic or behavior displayed by others in its category. For instance, in a group of students who consistently underperform in exams, one student might be considered the only exception due to exceptional grades. Similarly, in a collection of identical objects, one item with a distinct quality or feature that sets it apart could be labeled as the only exception.
The term can also apply to more abstract or conceptual scenarios. In discussions about rules or principles, the only exception might refer to a circumstance that causes the rule to be overlooked or not applicable. For example, a law prohibiting the use of cell phones while driving may have an only exception if a driver needs to contact emergency services.
In summary, the "only exception" signifies an atypical case or instance that stands out from the rest due to its unique qualities, behavior, or circumstances, which differentiate it from the general rule or pattern.
The etymology of the phrase "only exception" can be traced back to the individual etymologies of its constituent words: "only" and "exception".
1. "Only":
The word "only" is derived from the Old English word "ānlīċ", which means "alone" or "unique". It is a combination of "ān" (one) and "-līċ" (suffix denoting similarity or likeness). Over time, "ānlīċ" evolved into "only", retaining the meaning of singularity or exclusivity.
2. "Exception":
The word "exception" comes from the Latin word "exceptionem", which is the past participle of "excipere", meaning "to take out" or "to make an exception".