What is the Difference Between Exemption and Exception?

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The main difference between "exemption" and "exception" lies in the reason for leaving something out of a group or rule. Here are the key distinctions:

  • Exemption: An exemption is an exclusion from the consequences of a rule, often granted by someone in authority. It refers to permission to be left out, such as being excused from attending a meeting or having an exemption from paying certain taxes.
  • Exception: An exception is an exclusion from the rule itself. It refers to something that does not follow the same rule or custom as other things in a group, often due to a special or unique characteristic.

In summary:

  • An exemption is a permission to be left out, often granted by someone in authority.
  • An exception is an exclusion from the rule, often due to a unique characteristic.

Comparative Table: Exemption vs Exception

Here is a table illustrating the differences between exemption and exception:

Term Definition Example
Exemption A case where a rule or requirement does not apply at all, usually due to specific circumstances or permissions granted by an authority. A driver with a disability parking permit is exempt from certain parking restrictions.
Exception A situation that is different from the normal rule or custom, often involving an individual case that does not follow the same rules as other cases in a group. The word "weird" is an exception to the rule "I before E except after C."

In summary, an exemption refers to a situation where a rule or requirement does not apply, while an exception refers to a situation that is different from the normal rule or custom.