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exclusive

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The definition of exclusive is something that prevents other things from being true or something that is limited in number or the only source of something or something restricted to a limited number of people.

(adjective)

An example of exclusive is the belief or non-belief in the death penalty.
An example of exclusive is a print by a rare artist of which only five copies were made.
An example of exclusive is when a reporter is the only one with a story on the subject.
An example of exclusive is a country club that is limited only to the wealthy.

See exclusive in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

excluding or tending to exclude all others; shutting out other considerations, happenings, existences, etc.: an exclusive interest in sports
excluding all but what is specified: “only” is an exclusive particle
given or belonging to no other; not shared or divided; sole: an exclusive right to sell something
1. excluding certain people or groups, as for social or economic reasons: an exclusive club
2. snobbish; undemocratic
dealing only in costly items: an exclusive shop
being the only one of its kind: an exclusive dress

Origin: ML exclusivus < L exclusus, pp. of excludere: see exclude

noun

something exclusive; specif.,

a news item, feature, etc. printed or broadcast by only one newspaper, station, etc.
an exclusive right, as to the sale of something

Related Forms:

exclusively adverb
exclusiveness noun

See exclusive in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Excluding or tending to exclude: exclusive barriers.
Not allowing something else; incompatible: mutually exclusive conditions.
Not divided or shared with others: exclusive publishing rights.
Not accompanied by others; single or sole: your exclusive function.
Complete; undivided: gained their exclusive attention.
Not including the specified extremes or limits, but only the area between them: 20-25, exclusive; that is, 21, 22, 23 and 24.
Excluding some or most, as from membership or participation: an exclusive club.
Catering to a wealthy clientele; expensive: exclusive shops.
Linguistics Of, relating to, or being a first person plural pronoun that excludes the addressee, such as we in the sentence Chris and I will be in town tomorrow, so we can stop by your office.