exceptionnelle

exceptionnelle is the feminine singular form of the French adjective exceptionnel, meaning extraordinary, remarkable, or out of the ordinary. It is used to describe feminine nouns and phrases that have an elevated or unusual quality.

Etymology and grammar: the word derives from Latin exceptionalis through Old French, built from the noun exception plus the adjectival suffix -el. The masculine singular form is exceptionnel; the feminine singular is exceptionnelle, with plural forms exceptionnels (masc) and exceptionnelles (fem). The adverb form is exceptionnellement.

Usage: the term is common in everyday language, journalism, literature, and marketing to emphasize high quality or rarity. It can describe people (une personne exceptionnelle), events (une occasion exceptionnelle), performances (une performance exceptionnelle), or results (un résultat exceptionnel). While generally positive, it can convey strong praise or denote something noticeably beyond the norm. In neutral descriptive contexts, it may simply indicate that something is unusual or noteworthy rather than uniquely superior.

Notes: exceptionnelle is specifically the feminine form and agrees with feminine nouns. The related noun is l’exception; related adjectives include exceptionnel and l’exceptionnel, while the adverb is exceptionnellement. The term is widely used across French-speaking contexts and can appear in both formal and informal registers.