First-rate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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first-rate

[ˌfərst-ˈrāt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

quality

Of the highest quality; excellent.

Synonyms

excellent, outstanding, superb, top-notch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
first-rate	Use when describing something of the highest quality, often in a formal or professional setting. She received a first-rate education. The hotel provided first-rate service.
top-notch	A more casual term, often used in informal conversations to indicate very high quality or superiority. That new café downtown is top-notch. Her skills as a designer are top-notch.
outstanding	Use when highlighting exceptional quality or distinguishing something as above and beyond the norm. He has an outstanding talent for music. Her performance was truly outstanding.
superb	Conveys a sense of elegance and high quality, often used for finer things in life, art, or performance. The movie had a superb cast. His speech was superb and moved everyone.
excellent	A versatile word for general use, denoting very high quality or superiority. She did an excellent job on the project. The food at that restaurant is excellent.

Examples of usage

She is a first-rate chef.
The hotel offers first-rate service.
The company has a first-rate reputation for customer satisfaction.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

quality

To the highest degree.

Synonyms

excellently, exceptionally, superbly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
first-rate	Use this when you want to describe something as being of the highest quality or top-notch. It is commonly used in both formal and informal settings. The service at the restaurant was first-rate She has a first-rate mind for business
excellently	This is an adverb that is used to describe an action done extremely well. It is formal and can be used in academic or professional settings. She performed excellently in her exams The team played excellently in the final match
superbly	This adverb is used for describing actions done in an outstanding or impressive manner, and can be used in both casual and formal conversation. The actors performed superbly in the play She handled the situation superbly
exceptionally	Use this to highlight something or someone as being unusually good or better than others. It often carries a sense of rarity and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. He is an exceptionally talented musician The food at the new restaurant was exceptionally good

Examples of usage

The team performed first-rate in the competition.
She handled the situation first-rate.

Translations

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

Origin of 'first-rate'

The term 'first-rate' originated in the early 19th century as a nautical term to describe the highest class of ships in a navy. Over time, it evolved to mean something of the highest quality or excellence in general usage.