Exceptional vs. Remarkable

Attribute	Exceptional	Remarkable
Definition	Unusual or outstanding	Worthy of attention or notice
Synonyms	Extraordinary, outstanding, rare	Noteworthy, notable, impressive
Usage	Often used to describe something that stands out in a positive way	Can be used to describe something that is impressive or worthy of attention
Connotation	Implies something that is exceptional in a positive way	Implies something that is remarkable or worthy of notice

Definition

When looking at the attributes of exceptional and remarkable, it is important to first understand the definitions of these two words. Exceptional is defined as being unusual, extraordinary, or outstanding in some way. On the other hand, remarkable is defined as being worthy of attention or striking. Both words convey a sense of something standing out from the norm, but they may differ in the specific connotations they carry.

Uniqueness

One key attribute of exceptional is its emphasis on uniqueness. When something is described as exceptional, it is often because it stands out from the crowd in some way. This could be due to its quality, rarity, or level of achievement. On the other hand, remarkable may also imply uniqueness, but it may focus more on the impact or impression that something makes on others. In this sense, something can be remarkable without necessarily being one-of-a-kind.

Impact

Another attribute to consider when comparing exceptional and remarkable is the impact that each word conveys. Exceptional often suggests a high degree of excellence or superiority. When something is exceptional, it is typically seen as being of the highest quality or standard. Remarkable, on the other hand, may emphasize the effect that something has on others. It could be remarkable because it is surprising, impressive, or memorable in some way.

Recognition

Recognition is another important attribute to consider when looking at exceptional and remarkable. Exceptional achievements or qualities are often recognized and celebrated for their excellence. When something is exceptional, it is typically acknowledged for its outstanding nature. Remarkable, on the other hand, may be more about being noticed or standing out in a particular context. Something can be remarkable without necessarily receiving widespread recognition for its qualities.

Subjectivity

One attribute that sets exceptional and remarkable apart is the level of subjectivity involved in their use. Exceptional tends to be more objective in its assessment, focusing on measurable qualities or achievements. Something is exceptional because it meets a certain standard of excellence. Remarkable, on the other hand, may be more subjective, as what one person finds remarkable may not be the same for another. This word often carries a sense of personal impact or significance.

Examples

To better understand the attributes of exceptional and remarkable, it can be helpful to consider some examples. An exceptional athlete, for instance, may be someone who consistently performs at a high level and achieves remarkable results. In this case, exceptional emphasizes the athlete's skill and talent, while remarkable highlights the impact of their achievements on others. Similarly, a remarkable piece of art may be one that leaves a lasting impression on viewers, even if it is not considered exceptional in terms of technical skill.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while exceptional and remarkable share some similarities in terms of standing out from the norm, they also have distinct attributes that set them apart. Exceptional often emphasizes uniqueness, impact, recognition, and objectivity, while remarkable may focus more on the subjective experience, personal significance, and impression that something makes. Both words have their own strengths and nuances, and understanding these attributes can help us appreciate the subtle differences between them.