excel

[ ik-sel ]

verb (used without object)

, ex·celled, ex·cel·ling.

1. to surpass others or be superior in some respect or area; do extremely well:

   to excel in math.

verb (used with object)

, ex·celled, ex·cel·ling.

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 Words From

• unex·celled adjective
• unex·celling 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

They used to be seen as not needing special attention because they often excelled.

From Los Angeles Times

“I am trying to plan a good future so that after I get prosthetics, I can work hard and excel to become a famous photographer,” he says.

From BBC

Many people online were encouraged by Jiang's results, seeing them as proof that students from vocational institutes could still excel academically.

From BBC

It’s far from the first time he has excelled in the wet - he always has.

From BBC

He has the requisite playmaking ability to excel in that role as a creator.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• come through
• outdo
• shine
• transcend