'exceptionality' originates from the Latin word 'exceptionalis,' where 'ex-' meant 'out of' and 'capere' meant 'to take.'

'exceptionalis' transformed into the French word 'exceptionnel,' and eventually became the modern English word 'exceptional' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to take out or exclude,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'being unique or rare.'