Excelsior: meaning, definitions and examples

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excelsior

 

[ ษ›kหˆsษ›lsiษ™r ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

inspiration, motto

Excelsior is a Latin word meaning 'ever upward.' It is often used as a motto or expression of determination, encouraging individuals to strive for greatness and to overcome obstacles. The term has been adopted in various contexts, notably by the state of New York and in literature, symbolizing the pursuit of higher goals and ideals. The word can evoke feelings of hope and resilience.

Synonyms

aspirational, beyond, higher, upward.

Examples of usage

  • The motto of our school is excelsior, inspiring us to reach new heights.
  • He approached every challenge with the spirit of excelsior, refusing to give up.
  • As we face adversity, we must remember to remain excelsior in our pursuits.

Translations

Translations of the word "excelsior" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น excelente

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคคเฅเค•เฅƒเคทเฅเคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช ausgezeichnet

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ cemerlang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‡ัƒะดะพะฒะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ doskonaล‚y

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ„ชใ‚ŒใŸ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท excellent

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ excelente

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mรผkemmel

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์šฐ์ˆ˜ํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู…ุชุงุฒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vynikajรญcรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vynikajรบci

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ“่ถŠ็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ izjemen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ frรกbรฆr

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐะผะฐัˆะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒ”แƒกแƒแƒœแƒ˜แƒจแƒœแƒแƒ•แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mรถhtษ™ลŸษ™m

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ excelente

Etymology

The term 'excelsior' originates from the Latin word 'excelsus,' which means 'high' or 'tall.' It has been part of the English language since the early 17th century, primarily used in literary and poetic contexts. Excelsior gained wider recognition in the 19th century, especially after it was adopted as the state motto of New York in 1778. It embodies a spirit of continuous improvement and aspiration, resonating with the values of ambition and perseverance. Notably, it was used by figures such as journalist and poet Walt Whitman, who emphasized the importance of striving for excellence in all facets of life. Its enduring presence in popular culture reflects a collective yearning for progress and achievement.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,824 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.