Exclusive vs. Exclusively — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 2, 2024
Exclusive refers to something unique or restricted, whereas exclusively means solely or only in the context of limitation.
Difference Between Exclusive and Exclusively
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Exclusive is often used as an adjective describing something that is not shared or is limited to certain people or groups, indicating privacy or a high level of selectivity. Whereas exclusively serves as an adverb, stressing the singularity of an action or condition, ensuring that it pertains to one thing or situation only.
When you refer to an "exclusive event," it implies that entry is restricted through selection or an invitation, suggesting a special, often high-status occasion. On the other hand, when something is done "exclusively," it means it is done purely in one specific manner or for one specific purpose, highlighting exclusivity in action or focus.
Exclusive can also pertain to rights or privileges, such as "exclusive rights" to publish a book, which means no other party can exercise these rights. Whereas exclusively is used to modify verbs, describing the manner in which these rights are perhaps exercised or upheld, such as "distributed exclusively by a single company."
In products and services, "exclusive" brands or offerings imply a sense of luxury or special access, possibly offering something that cannot be found elsewhere. In contrast, services offered "exclusively online" emphasize the specific nature of availability, limiting where and how consumers can access these services.
The term "exclusive" can also foster a sense of community or belonging among a select group, enhancing the value perceived due to its limited nature. Exclusively, however, focuses more on the method or scope, often used to clarify that no other modes or options are considered outside the specified ones.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Adverb
Usage
Describes nouns (events, rights)
Modifies verbs or adjectives
Implication
Indicates restriction or uniqueness
Indicates limitation in manner
Example Context
"Exclusive membership"
"Sold exclusively online"
Associated Connotation
Often positive (luxury, privilege)
Neutral (specificity, limitation)
Compare with Definitions
Exclusive
Limited to one entity or group.
Exclusive stories are often sought after by journalists.
Exclusively
Entirely; completely.
He is exclusively responsible for this project.
Exclusive
Restricting competition or having sole rights.
She holds exclusive rights to her music.
Exclusively
Solely; only.
This area is used exclusively for dining.
Exclusive
Unique to something.
They have an exclusive design for their products.
Exclusively
In a manner excluding all others.
The product is sold exclusively online.
Exclusive
Intended for a select group; not public.
The club maintains an exclusive membership policy.
Exclusively
Specifically or uniquely.
The funds are allocated exclusively for research.
Exclusive
High in status or expensive.
The resort offers exclusive amenities.
Exclusively
Nothing else but.
The offer is available exclusively to club members.
Exclusive
Excluding or tending to exclude
Exclusive barriers.
Exclusively
Excluding or tending to exclude
Exclusive barriers.
Exclusive
Not allowing something else; incompatible
Mutually exclusive conditions.
Exclusively
Not allowing something else; incompatible
Mutually exclusive conditions.
Exclusive
Not divided or shared with others
Exclusive publishing rights.
Exclusively
Not divided or shared with others
Exclusive publishing rights.
Exclusive
Not accompanied by others; single or sole
Your exclusive function.
Exclusively
Not accompanied by others; single or sole
Your exclusive function.
Exclusive
Complete; undivided
Gained their exclusive attention.
Exclusively
Complete; undivided
Gained their exclusive attention.
Exclusive
Not including the specified extremes or limits, but only the area between them
10-14, exclusive.
That is, 11, 12, and 13.
Exclusively
Not including the specified extremes or limits, but only the area between them
10-14, exclusive.
That is, 11, 12, and 13.
Exclusive
Excluding some or most, as from membership or participation
An exclusive club.
Exclusively
Excluding some or most, as from membership or participation
An exclusive club.
Exclusive
Catering to a wealthy clientele; expensive
Exclusive shops.
Exclusively
Catering to a wealthy clientele; expensive
Exclusive shops.
Exclusive
(Linguistics) Relating to or being a first person plural pronoun that excludes the addressee, such as we in the sentence Pat and I are in town, so we can meet you for lunch.
Exclusively
(Linguistics) Relating to or being a first person plural pronoun that excludes the addressee, such as we in the sentence Pat and I are in town, so we can meet you for lunch.
Exclusive
A news item initially released to only one publication or broadcaster.
Exclusively
A news item initially released to only one publication or broadcaster.
Exclusive
An exclusive right or privilege, as to market a product.
Exclusively
An exclusive right or privilege, as to market a product.
Exclusive
(literally) Excluding items or members that do not meet certain conditions.
Exclusively
(focus) to the exclusion of anything or anyone else; solely or entirely
These new shoes are made exclusively out of recycled cardboard.
Exclusive
(figuratively) Referring to a membership organisation, service or product: of high quality and/or renown, for superior members only. A snobbish usage, suggesting that members who do not meet requirements, which may be financial, of celebrity, religion, skin colour etc., are excluded.
Exclusive clubs tend to serve exclusive brands of food and drinks, in the same exorbitant price range, such as the 'finest' French châteaux.
Exclusively
Without any others being included or involved;
Was entirely to blame
A school devoted entirely to the needs of problem children
He works for Mr. Smith exclusively
Did it solely for money
The burden of proof rests on the prosecution alone
A privilege granted only to him
Exclusive
Exclusionary.
Exclusive
Whole, undivided, entire.
The teacher's pet commands the teacher's exclusive attention.
Exclusive
(linguistics) Of or relating to the first-person plural pronoun when excluding the person being addressed.
The pronoun in "We're going to a party later, but you aren't invited" is an exclusive "we".
Exclusive
Information (or an artefact) that is granted or obtained exclusively.
The editor agreed to keep a lid on a potentially disastrous political scoop in exchange for an exclusive of a happier nature.
Exclusive
A member of a group who exclude others from their society.
Exclusive
(grammar) A word or phrase that restricts something, such as only, solely, or simply.
Exclusive
Having the power of preventing entrance; debarring from participation or enjoyment; possessed and enjoyed to the exclusion of others; as, exclusive bars; exclusive privilege; exclusive circles of society.
Exclusive
Not taking into the account; excluding from consideration; - opposed to inclusive; as, five thousand troops, exclusive of artillery.
Exclusive
One of a coterie who exclude others; one who from real of affected fastidiousness limits his acquaintance to a select few.
Exclusive
A news report that is reported first by one news organization;
He got a scoop on the bribery of city officials
Exclusive
Not divided or shared with others;
They have exclusive use of the machine
Sole rights of publication
Exclusive
Excluding much or all; especially all but a particular group or minority;
Exclusive clubs
An exclusive restaurants and shops
Exclusive
Not divided among or brought to bear on more than one object or objective;
Judging a contest with a single eye
A single devotion to duty
Undivided affection
Gained their exclusive attention
Common Curiosities
Is exclusive a positive term?
Typically, yes, as it conveys a sense of prestige or unique access, though it can seem elitist in some contexts.
How does exclusively affect the meaning of a verb?
It restricts the verb’s action to only the context or manner described, emphasizing singularity.
Can a service be both exclusive and offered exclusively?
Yes, a service can be exclusive in its accessibility and offered exclusively through certain platforms, combining both aspects.
How does exclusively relate to online shopping?
It specifies that products or services are available solely through online platforms, highlighting a restrictive access method.
What’s the difference between exclusive rights and exclusively held rights?
Exclusive rights are the sole permissions granted to an entity, while exclusively held rights emphasize the sole possession or holding of those rights.
What does exclusive mean in a product description?
It means the product is available only through specific channels or to specific groups, often adding a sense of uniqueness or luxury.
Are exclusive events common in business settings?
Yes, they are common for networking, premium customer engagement, or special announcements.
How does exclusively modify an adjective?
It focuses the scope of the adjective to one particular aspect, enhancing its specificity.
What is an example of something being done exclusively in one way?
A product being sold exclusively online means it is available for purchase only through internet platforms.
Can a location be described as exclusive?
Yes, implying that it is selective about its visitors or residents, often associated with luxury or privacy.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
