Exception vs. Exemption: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 4, 2023
"Exception" refers to something that doesn't follow the general rule, while "Exemption" means a relief from an obligation or duty.
Key Differences
"Exception" and "Exemption" are two distinct terms, even though both suggest some form of deviation from the norm. "Exception" commonly denotes an instance or case not conforming to a general rule, pattern, or category. For instance, if one was discussing weather trends and mentioned that it usually rained every day except Tuesday, Tuesday would be the exception.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
On the other hand, "Exemption" refers to the act of freeing or releasing from a liability or obligation that others must meet. In legal and financial contexts, this term is frequently employed. For example, certain individuals might receive an exemption from taxes due to specific criteria or circumstances.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
In the realm of grammar, "Exception" can often be used as a noun denoting a deviation. Phrases like "with the exception of" highlight its grammatical utility. In contrast, "Exemption" might be associated more with formal decrees or authoritative decisions. One might hear it used in contexts like "He received an exemption from military service."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
At their core, both terms imply non-conformity. However, while "Exception" points more towards an anomaly in a general rule or pattern, "Exemption" leans more towards a deliberate exclusion or relief from a standard requirement or obligation.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
A deviation from the norm or rule
Relief from a certain duty or obligation
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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Use in a Sentence
"Blue is the exception in a sea of red."
"She received an exemption from the final exam."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Common Context
Patterns, rules, generalizations
Duties, obligations, taxes, rules
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Associated Words/Phrases
Except, exception to the rule
Exempt, tax exemption, military exemption
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Exception and Exemption Definitions
Exception
A case where a rule does not apply.
There are a few exceptions to this law.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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Exemption
Release from an obligation or liability.
The council granted an exemption to the church.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Exception
A thing that proves the rule wrong.
The sudden storm in the dry season was an exception.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Exemption
The action of freeing someone from a responsibility.
He applied for an exemption from the course.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Exception
The act of objecting to or not allowing something.
They took exception to the new policy.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Exemption
A deduction allowed to reduce taxable income.
There are several tax exemptions available for homeowners.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
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Exception
A person or thing that is excluded from a general statement or rule.
She was the only exception in the group not invited.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Exemption
Being excused from a rule or requirement.
She has an exemption from the state testing due to her condition.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Exception
The act of excepting or the condition of being excepted; exclusion.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exemption
A special privilege allowing one to forgo a usual duty.
The organization has an exemption from the federal law.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Exception
One that is excepted, especially a case that does not conform to a rule or generalization.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exception
(Law) A formal protest against a ruling of the trial court on a question of law, such as the admissibility of a certain piece of evidence, to make clear for the record that the issue is being preserved for a potential appeal.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exception
The act of excepting or excluding; exclusion; restriction by taking out something which would otherwise be included, as in a class, statement, rule.
The exception of a rule
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exemption
The deduction of a certain amount in the computation of net income with regard to taxation, allowed for an individual, that individual's dependents, and certain characteristics, such as blindness or age.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exception
That which is excluded from others; a person, thing, or case, specified as distinct, or not included.
That rule is usually true, but there are a few exceptions.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exemption
Excuse from performance of a legal duty, such as release from serving in the military or as a juror.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exception
(legal) An objection, on legal grounds; also, as in conveyancing, a clause by which the grantor excepts or reserves something before the right is transferred.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exception
An objection; cavil; dissent; disapprobation; offense; cause of offense; — usually followed by to or against.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exception
(computing) An interruption in normal processing, typically caused by an error condition, that can be raised ("thrown") by one part of the program and handled ("caught") by another part.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exception
The act of excepting or excluding; exclusion; restriction by taking out something which would otherwise be included, as in a class, statement, rule.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exception
That which is excepted or taken out from others; a person, thing, or case, specified as distinct, or not included; as, almost every general rule has its exceptions.
Such rare exceptions, shining in the dark,Prove, rather than impeach, the just remark.
That proud exception to all nature's laws.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exemption
The act of exempting; the state of being exempt; freedom from any charge, burden, evil, etc., to which others are subject; immunity; privilege; as, exemption of certain articles from seizure; exemption from military service; exemption from anxiety, suffering, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exception
An objection, oral or written, taken, in the course of an action, as to bail or security; or as to the decision of a judge, in the course of a trail, or in his charge to a jury; or as to lapse of time, or scandal, impertinence, or insufficiency in a pleading; also, as in conveyancing, a clause by which the grantor excepts something before granted.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exception
An objection; cavil; dissent; disapprobation; offense; cause of offense; - usually followed by to or against.
I will never answer what exceptions they can have against our account [relation].
He . . . took exception to the place of their burial.
She takes exceptions at your person.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exemption
A deduction allowed to a taxpayer because of his status (having certain dependents or being blind or being over 65 etc.);
Additional exemptions are allowed for each dependent
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exception
A deliberate act of omission;
With the exception of the children, everyone was told the news
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exception
An instance that does not conform to a rule or generalization;
All her children were brilliant; the only exception was her last child
An exception tests the rule
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 10, 2023
Exception
A deviation from the usual or expected.
His rude behavior was an exception to his usually kind nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
FAQs
Can "Exemption" be used in everyday language?
Yes, "Exemption" can be used in casual contexts, but it's often used in legal or formal settings.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is "without exception" a common phrase?
Yes, it means "in all cases" or "always."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Do both terms mean something is completely excluded?
Not necessarily. "Exception" implies deviation while "Exemption" implies relief from a duty, but not always total exclusion.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is "Exception" used in programming?
Yes, in programming, an "Exception" refers to an unexpected event that disrupts normal flow.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Can an individual be an "Exemption"?
While less common, you might hear "She's an exemption" meaning she's excluded from a certain rule or duty.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Can organizations apply for "Exemptions"?
Yes, organizations often apply for exemptions, especially in tax contexts.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Which is more permanent, "Exception" or "Exemption"?
Neither inherently implies permanence, but "Exemptions" often have set durations or conditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is "Exception" always related to rules?
No, "Exception" can refer to any deviation from a norm or general pattern.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can "Exception" be used in mathematics?
Yes, it can refer to deviations or anomalies in data or patterns.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Are "Exception" and "Exemption" synonyms?
No, they have different meanings and uses.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is "Exemption" always positive?
Mostly, as it implies relief, but context can vary its perception.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Is a tax break the same as a tax "Exemption"?
They're similar. An "Exemption" reduces taxable income, while a break can be a reduction or credit.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Can something be "the exception to the rule"?
Yes, it's a way of saying something doesn't follow the general rule.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Can an "Exception" be made for someone?
Yes, it means making a special allowance for them outside the norm.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Are exemptions legally binding?
Yes, in legal contexts, "Exemptions" often have official standing.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Do "Exception" and "Exemption" have similar origins?
Both have Latin roots but with different origins: "Exception" from "exceptio" and "Exemption" from "exemptio."
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
In what contexts is "Exception" commonly used?
Rules, patterns, behaviors, or general statements.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
How is "Exemption" used in education?
Students might receive "Exemptions" from certain courses or tests based on various criteria.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
