Excellence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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excellence

[ˈɛks(ə)ləns ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

achieving high level

The quality of being outstanding or extremely good. Excellence is the goal of many successful individuals and organizations, as it represents the pinnacle of achievement and performance. It is characterized by consistently surpassing expectations and standards.

Synonyms

greatness, mastery, perfection, superiority.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
excellence	Used to describe someone or something that is extremely good or outstanding in a particular area, often related to performance or quality. Her dedication to academic excellence is impressive The company is known for its excellence in customer service
superiority	Used to describe a state of being higher in quality, status, or ability compared to others, often implying competition or comparison. It can sometimes have a negative connotation. The team's technological superiority gave them an edge over competitors His attitude of superiority often alienated his colleagues
greatness	Used to describe someone or something that is highly respected and admired, often implying significant achievements or noble qualities. His greatness as a leader will be remembered for generations The book explores the secrets behind the greatness of historical figures
perfection	Used to describe a state of being free from flaws or defects, often implying an ideal or unattainable standard. The chef's attention to detail brings every dish to perfection Her performance was as close to perfection as possible
mastery	Used to describe a high level of skill or expertise in a particular field or activity. She demonstrated mastery of the piano at a young age His mastery of mathematics is evident in his groundbreaking research

Examples of usage

Striving for excellence in all aspects of life.
The company's commitment to excellence is evident in their products and services.
She was awarded for her excellence in academic achievements.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

academic performance

Excellence can also refer to high academic performance, typically in a specific subject or field of study. It is often recognized through awards, scholarships, or honors for exceptional achievements.

Synonyms

expertise, merit, proficiency, scholarship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
excellence	Describing someone or something that achieves the highest standard in a particular area. The school is known for its excellence in education. Her pursuit of excellence in dance has earned her numerous awards.
proficiency	Referring to a high level of skill or competence in a specific activity or subject. His proficiency in multiple languages made him a valuable asset to the company. After months of practice, she achieved proficiency in playing the piano.
expertise	Talking about someone's advanced skills and knowledge in a specific field or area. The company hired him for his expertise in software development. She has gained expertise in culinary arts over the years.
scholarship	Focusing on academic achievements or attainment of knowledge, often within the realm of education and research. Her scholarship in ancient history has been widely recognized. He earned a scholarship to the prestigious university due to his exceptional grades.
merit	Highlighting the quality of being particularly good or worthy, often deserving praise or reward. The student received a scholarship based on academic merit. The project's merit was recognized by all members of the team.

Examples of usage

Her excellence in mathematics earned her a scholarship to the university.
The school celebrates academic excellence through various awards and recognition programs.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

business and management

In the context of business and management, excellence is the consistent and superior performance in operations, customer service, and overall business success. It involves continuous improvement and striving for the highest standards.

Synonyms

competence, efficiency, quality, success.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
excellence	This word is best used when referring to a very high standard of quality or performance. It implies surpassing ordinary standards and often suggests a sense of admiration. The company has a reputation for excellence in customer service Striving for excellence in every project is crucial
efficiency	This word is most appropriate when talking about the ability to accomplish a task with the least waste of time and effort. It often relates to productivity and optimization. The new system improved the efficiency of the production process Time management is key to achieving efficiency
competence	Use this word to describe someone's ability to do something successfully or efficiently. It suggests having the necessary skills and knowledge. Her competence in handling difficult clients was impressive The job requires a high level of technical competence
quality	This word is versatile and can be used in various contexts to refer to the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind. It often implies a level of excellence. The quality of the product was beyond expectations They are known for their high-quality craftsmanship
success	This word is used to describe the achievement of an aim or purpose. It implies reaching goals or attaining recognition. After years of hard work, she finally achieved success The conference was a huge success

Examples of usage

The company's commitment to operational excellence has led to increased productivity.
Achieving excellence in customer service is a key priority for the business.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

Aristotle spoke about 'excellence' as a virtue that involves living well and performing well in all areas of life.
The concept of 'arete' in ancient Greek philosophy is closely related, referring to excellence in character and behavior.
Modern philosophy often ties excellence to personal growth and the continuous quest for improvement rather than just results.

Education

Academic excellence often refers to achieving high grades, but it also encompasses critical thinking and creativity.
Many educational programs promote a growth mindset, encouraging students to see excellence as a journey rather than a destination.
Scholarships for excellence are awarded to students who excel not just in academics but also in leadership and community service.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures view excellence in varied ways, such as collectivism in Asian cultures that emphasize group achievement.
In Western cultures, individual achievement is often celebrated as a marker of personal excellence.
Athletes often strive for excellence, a theme portrayed in films and media as they overcome obstacles to achieve greatness.

Origin of 'excellence'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'excellere', which means 'to rise' or 'to be superior'.
In Middle English, it appeared as 'excellens', influencing how we use it today.
The meaning of the word has evolved to represent not just superiority but also a pursuit of high standards.

The word 'excellence' originated from the Latin word 'excellentia', which means superiority or preeminence. The concept of excellence has been valued throughout history, with societies and individuals striving to achieve greatness in various aspects of life. From ancient philosophers to modern leaders, the pursuit of excellence has been a driving force for progress and success.

See also: excel, excellent, excellently, excels.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,664 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5661 sentiments
5662 ninth
5663 prevail
5664 excellence
5665 negotiation
5666 providers
5667 unpaid
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