Exclusive
Restricted to a particular person or group; not shared with others; also describing high-status products or services available only to a select few.
adjectiveExclusive
Restricted to a particular person or group; not shared with others; also describing high-status products or services available only to a select few.
adjectiveImagine This
Picture a velvet-rope nightclub with a full-length glass wall. A host stands at the door, saying 'This event is exclusive' and only a few guests are admitted while everyone else watches from outside.
Sounds Like
ik-SKLOO-siv
Looks Like
resembles 'inclusive' in spelling but means the opposite; contains ex- (out) and -clus- (close)
Remember This
Origin traces to Latin exclusivus, from excludere 'to shut out' (ex- 'out' + cludere 'to close'). In modern use, exclusive often refers to restricted access or sole rights.
Other Forms
Connect With
privilege, select, sole, restricted, limited access, elitism
Note
Note that 'exclusive' can mean 'not including' when used with phrases like 'exclusive of tax' but when describing access it means restricted to a particular group. Distinguish from 'inclusive,' which means including everything.