first-rate

[furst-reyt]

adjective

1. excellent; superb.

2. of the highest rank, rate, or class.

adverb

1. very well.

first-rate

adjective

1. of the best or highest rated class or quality

2. informal,  very good; excellent

adverb

1. not_standard,  very well; excellently

Word History and Origins

Origin of first-rate¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

Made from the Gamay grape in a sunny region south of Burgundy’s famed Côte d’Or, Beaujolais has all the characteristics of a first-rate Thanksgiving wine.

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Law schools still include some first-rate scholars, so reform there may require no more than ensuring that a school’s future is in their hands.

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“Mārama” doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s a good ride with first-rate cinematography and production design and a story with one or two more surprises than we expect.

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The games will cost billions and generate billions, and L.A.’s kids shouldn’t be stuck with shabby recreational facilities while the elite athletes of the world compete at first-rate, dressed up facilities.

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“It will not benefit Jewish Bruins nor Jews beyond campus who make extensive use of its first-rate medical facilities, ground-breaking scientific innovations, and cutting-edge cultural institutions.”

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Related Words

• excellent 
• exceptional 
• high-quality 
• marvelous 
• outstanding 
• superb