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Meaning of exception that proves the rule | Babel Free

Noun CEFR C2

Definitions

The rare occurrence of a counterexample to a rule, used to demonstrate that the rule exists.

Equivalents

Examples

“A bishop ... is not bound to obey any Mandate but the King's; which Exception proves the Rule, and that he is inexcusably oblig'd to obey the King's
Some statutes give justices of the peace a power of proceeding on default, but the exception proves the rule in the thing not excepted; it seems therefore that the defendant should have been apprehended by a warrant

CEFR level

C2
Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.
See all C2 English words →

See also

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