First-rate: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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