first-rate

American  

[furst-reyt] / ˈfɜrstˈreɪt /

adjective

1. excellent; superb.

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

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adverb

1. very well.

first-rate British  

adjective

1. of the best or highest rated class or quality

2. informal very good; excellent

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adverb

1. not_standard very well; excellently

Etymology

Origin of first-rate

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

Nevertheless, as a storyteller Mr. Man is first-rate.

From The Wall Street Journal

He proves his stature as a first-rate actor by rendering these repetitious eruptions of bitterness insignificant.

From The Wall Street Journal

The characters, rendered with contemporary exactness by a first-rate cast, were so recognizable that they made the mysterious events unfolding around them terrifyingly plausible.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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