excel

[ik-sel]

verb (used without object)

excelled, excelling 

1. to surpass others or be superior in some respect or area; do extremely well.

   to excel in math.

verb (used with object)

excelled, excelling 

1. to surpass; be superior to; outdo.

   He excels all other poets of his day.

   Synonyms: beat, top, exceed, transcend, eclipse, outstrip

excel

/ ɪkˈsɛl /

verb

1. to be superior to (another or others); surpass

2. (intr; foll by in or at) to be outstandingly good or proficient

   he excels at tennis

Other Word Forms

• unexcelled adjective
• unexcelling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of excel¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Middle French exceller, from Latin excellere, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + -cellere “to rise high, tower” (akin to celsus “high”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of excel¹

C15: from Latin excellere to rise up

Synonym Study

Excel, outdo, surpass imply being better than others or being superior in achievement. To excel is to be superior in some quality, attainment, or performance: to excel opponents at playing chess. To outdo is to make more successful effort than others: to outdo competitors in the high jump. To surpass is to go beyond others, especially in a contest as to quality or ability: to surpass one's classmates in knowledge of corporation law.

Example Sentences

He might have excelled at the sleazy roles that made Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino famous.

From Los Angeles Times

His administration says it has excelled in this area, but critics - including the influential Catholic Church - say this is not the case.

From BBC

Adams noted that Nacua “bounced up” after taking hits against the Texans, came back after receiving stitches and continued to excel.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's something that I think I can excel at, and it's coming at a time in my career where I'm satisfied, I'm happy. I'm ready to step away."

From BBC

Scattered throughout the pages are evidence of his beginnings in Coney Island, where he seemed to excel in mathematics, the piano and the accordion.

From BBC

Related Words

• come through 
• outdo 
• shine 
• transcend