Superb: meaning, definitions and examples

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superb

 

[suːˈpɜːb ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

quality

of very high quality; excellent or outstanding

Synonyms

excellent, exceptional, marvelous, outstanding, splendid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
superb

This word is often used to describe something or someone that is impressively good, often in a way that suggests admiration.

  • The hotel service was superb
  • Her performance in the play was absolutely superb
excellent

Use this word to describe something of very high quality or superior. It's a common word in both formal and informal settings.

  • She wrote an excellent essay
  • The weather today is excellent
outstanding

This word is often used to highlight something remarkably good, deserving special recognition or attention.

  • She received an award for her outstanding work
  • The view from the top is outstanding
exceptional

This word emphasizes something or someone that is unusually good, often standing out from the norm.

  • His skills are exceptional
  • It was an exceptional opportunity
splendid

This word is used to describe something beautiful or impressive, often in a grand or luxurious way.

  • They threw a splendid party
  • The palace had splendid architecture
marvelous

Use 'marvelous' to describe something that causes wonder or amazement, often with a sense of magic or grandeur.

  • We had a marvelous time at the party
  • Her cooking is marvelous

Examples of usage

  • The performance was superb, exceeding all expectations.
  • She has a superb taste in music.
  • The view from the top of the mountain was simply superb.
Context #2 | Adverb

degree

in an excellent or outstanding manner

Synonyms

brilliantly, excellently, marvelously, outstandingly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
superb

Redundant entry; see the first entry for 'superb'.

excellently

Appropriate for describing actions or results that are done very well, generally used in informal and formal contexts.

  • The students performed excellently in their exams
  • He executed the project plan excellently
outstandingly

Used when highlighting someone or something that stands out significantly above others due to superior quality or performance, often in formal contexts.

  • The athlete performed outstandingly in the competition
  • Her research was outstandingly comprehensive
brilliantly

Used to describe someone or something that performs tasks with great intelligence or skill, often in creative or academic settings.

  • She played the piano brilliantly during the concert
  • He solved the complex problem brilliantly
marvelously

Best suited for describing something that is wonderful or extraordinary, often with a sense of admiration or delight.

  • You did marvelously in the play! The garden looks marvelously beautiful in spring

Examples of usage

  • She sings superbly.
  • The team played superbly in the championship game.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'superbus', meaning 'proud' or 'stately', showing how its meaning has evolved.
  • In Old French, 'superbe' carried a similar meaning of greatness and excellence, influencing its current usage in English.
  • It became a part of English vocabulary in the 16th century, reflecting a time of great admiration for arts and achievements.

Art and Literature

  • Many painters and writers have used the word to describe their masterpieces, often elevating them to a level of extreme beauty.
  • In Shakespeare's works, characters often describe feelings or creations as 'superb' to emphasize their grandeur or importance.
  • Art critics frequently use the term to evaluate works that exceed expectations, emphasizing mastery in technique or emotional impact.

Pop Culture

  • The term has been used in popular music, such as in song lyrics where artists express admiration for someone or something outstanding.
  • Cinematic reviews often deploy 'superb' to highlight exceptional performances or directing that stand out at awards ceremonies.
  • Superb is commonly used in advertisements to promote products, emphasizing their high quality to attract consumers.

Psychology

  • People often associate high-quality experiences with happiness, as something described as 'superb' generates positive emotions.
  • Research suggests that using positive language such as 'superb' can influence an individual's mood and lead to a better overall outlook.
  • Studies in positive reinforcement indicate that receiving recognition for superb efforts increases motivation and productivity.

Translations

Translations of the word "superb" in other languages:

🇵🇹 excelente

🇮🇳 उत्तम

🇩🇪 hervorragend

🇮🇩 luar biasa

🇺🇦 чудовий

🇵🇱 znakomity

🇯🇵 素晴らしい (subarashī)

🇫🇷 superbe

🇪🇸 sobresaliente

🇹🇷 muhteşem

🇰🇷 훌륭한 (hullyunghan)

🇸🇦 رائع (ra'i)

🇨🇿 vynikající

🇸🇰 vynikajúci

🇨🇳 极好的 (jí hǎo de)

🇸🇮 odličen

🇮🇸 frábært

🇰🇿 керемет

🇬🇪 შესანიშნავი (shesanishnavi)

🇦🇿 əla

🇲🇽 sobresaliente

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,824 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.