William Devane
Lawrence Kellerman
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The exception proves the rule is a phrase that arises from ignorance, though common to good writers. The original word was preuves, which did not mean proves but tests. In this sense, the phrase does not mean that an exception demonstrates a rule to be true or to exist, but that it tests the rule, thereby proving its value.
By exception we usually mean ‘something unusual, not following a rule’. What it means here though is ‘the act of leaving out or ignoring’. If we have a statement like ‘entry is free of charge on Sundays’, we can reasonably assume that, as a general rule, entry is charged for.
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).
Sep 16, 2013 · The act of stipulating a condition for when something is disallowed (or required), proves that when the stipulated conditions do not hold, it is allowed (or not required). The general rules are...
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.
Feb 25, 2011 · shows that the author has explicitly considered what special cases might merit an exception. So the rule should be interpreted broadly, and delivery vehicles excluded. The existence of the exception proves that the author meant what he or she said and that the rule applies to cases not excepted.
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.
