Excellent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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excellent

[หˆษ›ksษ™lษ™nt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

quality

Extremely good; outstanding

Synonyms

brilliant, exceptional, outstanding, remarkable, superb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
excellent

Used to describe something or someone that is extremely good or of very high quality. Common in both formal and informal settings.

  • The service at the hotel was excellent.
  • She did an excellent job on her presentation.
outstanding

Used to highlight something that is significantly better than others, often in performance or achievement. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

  • Her contributions to the project were outstanding.
  • The restaurant is known for its outstanding service.
exceptional

Typically used in formal settings to describe someone or something that stands out due to its extraordinary quality or ability. It implies rarity.

  • Her research skills are exceptional.
  • The athlete has shown exceptional talent this season.
superb

Describes something of the highest quality or excellence. Often used for experiences, performances, or conditions.

  • The chef prepared a superb meal.
  • She gave a superb performance that left the audience speechless.
remarkable

Emphasizes something that is worthy of attention or is extraordinary. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, though often positive.

  • The student's progress has been remarkable.
  • It's remarkable how much the town has changed.
brilliant

Often used to describe something that is very impressive, clever, or skillful. It can refer to ideas, performances, or talents. Can be more informal compared to 'outstanding' or 'exceptional'.

  • His solution to the problem was absolutely brilliant.
  • She gave a brilliant performance in the play.

Examples of usage

  • She did an excellent job on the project.
  • The hotel offers excellent service to its guests.
  • The team gave an excellent performance in the game.
Context #2 | Adjective

quality

Very effective or of high quality

Synonyms

fine, first-rate, splendid, superlative, top-notch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
excellent

Used to describe something or someone of extremely high quality or standard.

  • The presentation was excellent
  • She did an excellent job on the project
first-rate

Used to emphasize that something is of the best quality or class, often in a formal or impressive context.

  • His performance was first-rate
  • The hotel offers a first-rate experience
top-notch

An informal way to refer to something or someone as being of the highest quality.

  • The service at the restaurant is top-notch
  • She's a top-notch programmer
fine

Typically used to express that something is satisfactory or of good quality, though not necessarily outstanding.

  • The food was fine
  • He did a fine job
superlative

Used to describe something as being of the highest possible quality or degree, often in a formal or literary context.

  • Her work was superlative
  • The chef prepared a superlative meal
splendid

Often used to describe something that is impressive or beautiful, with a hint of grandeur.

  • The view from the balcony was splendid
  • They had a splendid day at the park

Examples of usage

  • The wine has an excellent flavor.
  • He has excellent taste in music.
  • The book received excellent reviews from critics.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The word has been used in various songs to describe love or experiences that are beyond the ordinary.
  • Public figures often use this term to highlight achievements, making it synonymous with outstanding performance.

Education

  • In academic settings, excellence is a major goal, encouraging students to strive beyond basic requirements.
  • Many educational institutions use the term as part of their mission statements to promote a culture of high achievement.

Psychology

  • Experiencing something labeled as excellent can release dopamine in the brain, leading to feelings of happiness.
  • The pursuit of excellence can contribute to personal growth, motivation, and a sense of fulfillment.

Literature

  • In literature, characters described as excellent often possess traits like bravery, intelligence, or kindness, serving as role models.
  • Many authors use the word to emphasize the remarkable qualities of their protagonists, making them memorable.

Origin of 'excellent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'excellens,' meaning 'surpassing' or 'outstanding.'
  • It originally described someone who was superior in rank or quality, showing its long history of high praise.

The word 'excellent' originated from the Latin word 'excellentem', meaning 'eminent, superior, surpassing'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. Over time, 'excellent' has come to signify something of exceptionally good quality or performance, making it a widely used term in praise and admiration.


See also: excel, excellence, excellently, excels.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,437, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.