excel

American  

[ik-sel] / ɪkˈsɛl /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

• unexcelled adjective
• unexcelling adjective

Etymology

Origin of excel

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”)

Example Sentences

Yet women continued to excel as herbalists, writing their own pharmacopeias.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yet for as long as Smith-Njigba can remember, he has excelled at tracking down balls.

From The Wall Street Journal

This is good news for Great Britain, presented with another medal chance in a sport that they have traditionally excelled in.

From BBC

Once the regular season ends, officials who have excelled are rewarded with coveted games in the playoffs.

From Barron's

Vrabel had won three Super Bowls as a linebacker for New England and went on to excel coaching the Tennessee Titans.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• come through
• outdo
• shine
• transcend