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

Their findings, published in the open-access journal ACS Central Science, clarify why precious metals such as gold, silver and platinum excel in catalytic processes.

Read more on Science Daily

“As a reminder, Nvidia is unlike any other accelerator. We excel at every phase of AI.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“The U.S. leads in technological innovation, while China excels in speed of implementation,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Then again, Penelope had always excelled at the game.

Read more on Literature

“Not an ordinary poor person, mind you, but someone who has excelled at being destitute.”

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• come through 
• outdo 
• shine 
• transcend