Lawrence Kellerman
Search results
"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.
May 15, 2019 · In formal writing, an exception can “prove” the existence of an unstated rule (i.e., if there is an exception to a rule, there must be a rule to which it is an exception). This original use of the phrase is rare in modern English.
THE EXCEPTION THAT PROVES THE RULE definition: 1. something that emphasizes the general truth of a statement by disagreeing with it: 2. something…. Learn more.
Feb 25, 2011 · The phrase "proves the rule" is not meant in a strict logical sense; rather it is meant to convey that some generalization or rule of thumb tends to be supported, not by an exception alone but by our reaction to the exception.
The exception on Sunday is demonstrating that the rule exists. It isn’t testing whether the incorrect rule ‘you have to pay’ is true or not, and it certainly isn’t proving that incorrect rule to be true.
Jun 8, 2017 · In formal writing, an exception can ‘prove’ the existence of an unstated rule (i.e. if there is an exception, there must be a rule to which it is an exception). This was the original meaning of the phrase, but it is rare in modern English outside of fairly formal or academic writing.
Oct 5, 2023 · In short: "The exception proves the rule" means that the presence of an exception indicates the existence of a general rule. What Does "The Exception Proves the Rule" Mean? The proverb suggests that if a rule is stated with an exception, then the rule must apply elsewhere.
