What does it mean when the exception proves the rule?

“The exception that proves the rule” is often used to describe a case (the exception) which serves to highlight or confirm (prove) a rule to which the exception itself is apparently contrary.

Where did the phrase the exception proves the rule?

The term the exception that proves the rule is derived from a Latin phrase first used by Cicero, exceptio probat regulam in casibus non exceptis, which means the exception confirms the rule in cases not excepted.

What is an exception to the rule?

An exception is something that is left out or not done on purpose. An exception to a rule does not follow that rule. This word is used for all sorts of things that are not usual or usually allowed. The saying ”i before e except after c,” is about an exception to a spelling rule.

What does the rule and not the exception mean?

Definition of the exception rather than the rule : not common or usual : not often done, seen, or happening : rare Friendly customer service seems to be the exception rather than the rule nowadays.

What is the exception to the general rule?

exact (8) Another exception to the general rule that courts will generally only judicially review errors of law is where action is taken or a decision is made on the basis of no evidence, a lack of sufficient evidence, or an error of material fact. 1.

What is exception to the general rule?

Exceptions are rules which limit the extent of other more general rules, and render that just and proper, which would be, on account of its generality, unjust and improper.

Which is the best definition of exception?

1 : the act of excepting : exclusion. 2 : one that is excepted especially : a case to which a rule does not apply. 3 : question, objection witnesses whose authority is beyond exception— T. B. Macaulay — see also take exception. 4 : an oral or written legal objection.

Does the exception make the rule?

English-Ireland (top end) Exceptions make the rule. The exception makes the rule. The exception proves the rule. From The Phrase Finder: If we have a statement like ‘entry is free of charge on Sundays’, we can reasonably assume that, as a general rule, entry is charged for.

Is it the exception or the rule?

exception proves the rule , the An instance that does not obey a rule shows that the rule exists. For example, John’s much shorter than average but excels at basketball-the exception proves the rule. This seemingly paradoxical phrase is the converse of the older idea that every rule has an exception.

What does there is an exception to every rule mean?

Usually said in a situation when the rule is incorrect and unusable. Alternative form of there is an exception to every rule. A form of argument in which the existence of a counterexample to a rule is used to demonstrate the fact that a rule exists.

What are exceptions to rule?

, linguist and Caucasologist. Actually, there are essentially no exceptions to the rule governing whether a or an is used, because the rule is defined by the pronunciation of whatever word follows the article, irrespective of how that word might be written.