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

It is not without its flaws - it does not excel in heavy braking and traction, or over bumps.

From BBC

Routledge overcame her initial reluctance to perform his scripts and excelled as A Woman of No Importance and A Lady of Letters.

From BBC

Two-time champion Alonso is also renowned as a Singapore specialist, and usually excels on the Marina Bay street track.

From BBC

With that unit in place, the Phillies’ bullpen excelled down the stretch.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a rare spot that excels at both minimalist nigiri, where the fish is the star, and saucy, more elaborate rolls.

From Salon

Related Words

• come through 
• outdo 
• shine 
• transcend