Excellent

Definition

Excellent is an adjective used to describe something of extremely high quality, superior merit, or outstanding worth. It signifies a level of quality that is remarkable or surpasses the standard.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɛksələnt/
• Respelling: EK-suh-luhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɛksələnt/
• Respelling: EK-suh-luhnt

Etymology

The word "excellent" originates from the Latin "excellens," the present participle of "excellere," meaning "to surpass" or "to rise above." It entered Middle English from Old French as "excellant," and has come to signify superiority or exceptional quality.

Derivatives

• Excellence (noun)
• Excel (verb)
• Excellently (adverb)
• Excelling (verb/noun)
• Non-excellent (adjective - rare)

Synonyms

• Outstanding
• Exceptional
• Superb

Antonyms

• Poor
• Inferior
• Substandard

Usage

The adjective "excellent" is commonly used to describe people, objects, or performances that are of high quality, as in "She did an excellent job on the project" or "The restaurant has an excellent reputation."

Related Terms

• Superior: Higher in quality or rank.
• Outstanding: Exceptionally good; distinguished.
• Quality: The standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Of the highest quality or exceptionally good: Describes something that is superior in quality or performance.
  • Example: "She is an excellent student with high grades."
• Remarkable or outstanding: Used to signify a quality or characteristic that stands out as superior or noteworthy.
  • Example: "The movie received excellent reviews."