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Sterling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sterling

[หˆstษœหrlษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

currency

British currency, equivalent to 100 pence. The pound sterling is the official currency of the United Kingdom and its territories. It is one of the oldest currencies still in use today.

Synonyms

GBP, pound, quid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sterling

Same as the first entry, used in formal or official contexts relating to the British currency.

  • Investors remain optimistic about sterling.
  • Sterling deposits have seen a steady rise.
pound

Commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to the British currency in general terms, without formality.

  • I exchanged my dollars for pounds.
  • A pint of beer costs four pounds here.
GBP

Utilized in financial or accounting contexts to denote the British Pound currency code, especially in international transactions.

  • The store accepts payments in USD, EUR, and GBP.
  • The GBP/USD exchange rate has recently fluctuated.
quid

Informal and colloquial term used in casual conversation to refer to the British pound.

  • Can you lend me twenty quid?
  • This gadget only costs a few quid.

Examples of usage

  • He paid in sterling pounds.
  • The exchange rate for sterling is favorable today.
Context #2 | Adjective

quality

Of the highest quality; excellent. Often used to describe silver or silverware.

Synonyms

excellent, premium, superior.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sterling

Used to describe something of very high quality or excellence, often in terms of character, reputation, or craftsmanship.

  • She received sterling reviews for her performance in the play.
  • He has a sterling reputation for honesty and integrity.
excellent

Used in a wide range of situations to describe something extremely good or outstanding.

  • The meal at the new restaurant was excellent.
  • Her work on the project was excellent and exceeded all expectations.
superior

Used to denote something that is better than others, can sometimes imply a sense of hierarchy or comparison. It may have a slightly arrogant connotation.

  • This software is far superior to the previous version.
  • Her fitness level is superior to that of most of her classmates.
premium

Often used in marketing to indicate something of a higher quality, usually with a higher price. Can also refer to something extra or more valuable.

  • This car model comes with a premium audio system.
  • He paid a premium for expedited shipping.

Examples of usage

  • She has a sterling reputation in the industry.
  • The sterling silver cutlery gleamed in the candlelight.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Finance

  • Sterling is often used to refer specifically to British currency, called the pound sterling, symbolized by 'ยฃ'.
  • It is one of the oldest currencies still in use today, dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period.
  • The strength of the pound sterling often reflects the economic health of the UK.

Cultural References

  • In the world of luxury items, 'sterling silver' is highly sought after for jewelry and decorative objects.
  • Many idioms refer to 'sterling qualities', highlighting attributes such as excellence and reliability.
  • In popular culture, the term can describe individuals or brands known for their superior qualities, elevating them above others.

Science

  • Sterling silver is an alloy that consists of 92.5% silver, making it more durable than pure silver, which is too soft for many objects.
  • The remaining 7.5% of sterling silver can include other metals like copper, which help in maintaining its strength and luster.
  • This alloy's conductivity makes it valuable not just for jewelry, but also in electronic and industrial applications.

Arts

  • Many famous silversmiths and artisans have created masterpieces from sterling silver, showcasing its beauty and functionality.
  • In literature and films, 'sterling' often represents qualities of authenticity and integrity in character development.
  • The term has been used in music and visual arts to signify the pursuit of quality in creative expressions.

Origin of 'sterling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sterling' is believed to come from the Old English word 'styrling', which means 'little star'.
  • Historically, the term was used to describe the silver pennies produced in England, which were marked with a star to indicate their quality.
  • The association with silver quality dates back to the 12th century when it was first used for coins.

The word 'sterling' has its origins in Old English, coming from the Middle English word 'sterlinge', which referred to a silver coin that was of the highest standard. The term 'pound sterling' dates back to the 12th century and has been used to describe British currency ever since. The adjective meaning 'of the highest quality' emerged in the 16th century, likely influenced by the association of sterling silver with excellence.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,557 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.