rather exceptional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather exceptional" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is notably good or outstanding, often in a positive context. Example: "The performance of the orchestra was rather exceptional, leaving the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

But the past few years have been rather exceptional.

The Guardian

Rather, exceptional companies were disproportionately likely to recruit their bosses internally.

The Economist

Mr. Nikolic provided an answer, in a show of emotion that is rather exceptional at a tribunal where perpetrators' toughness and denial are far more common.

The New York Times

While Frank may not be for everyone (just as Sidebottom, Beefheart and Johnston were never chart-toppers), for those who like their movies to dance to a different beat, it is something rather exceptional.

The Guardian - Film

No one uses the word "prodigy," but Sahara is clearly one of those uncanny kids who seems to be rather exceptional at everything she does, whether it's art, ballet, the piano and violin, singing (she has a three-octave vocal range and performs with the San Francisco Girls Chorus), sports, you name it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Our case offers the opportunity to document the rather exceptional association of IEH and EMA.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Vocal standards are competent rather than exceptional this time round, with the distinguished and immensely important exception of Mihoko Kinoshita's compelling Butterfly, who rises fearlessly to the challenges of the second half of the drama.

The Guardian - Music

She's rather an exceptional person.

The New Yorker

She is not ordinary, but rather an exceptional person with an exceptionally complicated public history.

The New Yorker

Their target is not tribunals as such but rather the "exceptional unilateralism" that the president's order exemplified.

The New York Times

To make a rational decision, he told me, you have to see the big picture, because your experience is likely to be typical, rather than exceptional.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather exceptional" to express a strong positive assessment, suggesting something goes beyond mere competence or adequacy. It's a versatile phrase applicable across various contexts to elevate your description.

Common error

While versatile, overuse in casual conversation can sound stilted. Opt for more relaxed synonyms like "pretty great" or "really good" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather exceptional" functions as an intensifying adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to emphasize the high degree of excellence or remarkableness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English to denote something notably good.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rather exceptional" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote something notably outstanding or excellent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's versatile across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications, where a neutral to formal tone is desired. While generally safe to use, be mindful of overuse in very informal settings where simpler synonyms may be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "quite remarkable" or "fairly outstanding" to diversify your language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite remarkable

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and unusual nature of something.

quite extraordinary

Implies a level of exceptionalism that goes beyond the ordinary.

fairly outstanding

Highlights the superior quality, though with a slightly less intense emphasis.

remarkably impressive

Focuses on the impact and admiration evoked by something.

decidedly superior

Implies a clear and unambiguous advantage or higher level of quality.

genuinely remarkable

Highlights the authenticity and true noteworthiness of something.

noticeably excellent

Stresses that the quality is easily observed and recognized.

distinctly superior

Suggests a clear and easily perceived advantage over others.

uncommonly good

Indicates a deviation from the norm in terms of positive attributes.

unusually impressive

Suggests a surprising and notable level of positive impact.

FAQs

How can I use "rather exceptional" in a sentence?

You can use "rather exceptional" to describe something that is notably good or outstanding. For example, "The quality of the product was rather exceptional." or "Her performance was rather exceptional."

What are some alternatives to "rather exceptional"?

Alternatives include "quite remarkable", "fairly outstanding", or "genuinely remarkable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "rather exceptional" or "very exceptional"?

"Rather exceptional" implies a slightly more understated and sophisticated tone compared to "very exceptional". Both are correct, but the choice depends on the desired level of emphasis and formality.

Can "rather exceptional" be used in a negative context?

While "exceptional" typically has a positive connotation, using "rather exceptional" sarcastically or ironically could imply the opposite. However, this usage is less common and relies heavily on context.