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

Mary Roy turned much of her fury on her son, once beating him until a wooden ruler broke, punishment for being merely "average" while his sister excelled in school.

From BBC

He excelled at curvaceous silhouettes, jewel and floral colors, rich wool or satin fabrics.

From Los Angeles Times

The US military "excels" because there is a "bottom-up" culture where units on the ground can make decisions as the situation evolves and alter their fighting strategies, Dr Raska notes.

From BBC

It would be a mistake to say that Jeremy Allen White excels at doing nothing.

From Los Angeles Times

The Robert Kirsch Award winner and native Californian excels at capturing the state’s joys and contradictions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• come through 
• outdo 
• shine 
• transcend