excellent

excellent

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "excellent" is /ˈɛksələnt/.

Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:

• ex- /ɛks/

• cel- /ə/

• lent /lənt/

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Word Form Variations

• Adjective: excellent

• Adverb: excellently

• Noun: excellence

• Noun (plural): excellences

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Adjective: excellent

1. Of extremely high quality; exceptionally good or outstanding in every respect.

• Synonyms: superb, outstanding, superior, first-rate, masterful

• Antonyms: poor, inferior, terrible, bad, inadequate

2. Possessing exceptional merit or virtue; highly admirable.

• Synonyms: virtuous, admirable, praiseworthy, exemplary, sterling

• Antonyms: flawed, imperfect, blameworthy, disreputable

Adverb: excellently

1. In a manner that is of extremely high quality; exceptionally well.

• Synonyms: superbly, outstandingly, magnificently, perfectly, admirably

• Antonyms: poorly, badly, inadequately, defectively

Noun: excellence

1. The quality of being outstanding or extremely good; superiority.

• Synonyms: superiority, distinction, preeminence, eminence, mastery

• Antonyms: inferiority, mediocrity, inadequacy, deficiency

2. A particularly good feature or quality; a virtue or merit.

• Synonyms: virtue, merit, strength, forte, asset

• Antonyms: flaw, defect, weakness, shortcoming

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Examples of Use

Books:

• "The detective's excellent deduction led him straight to the culprit, a twist that kept readers on the edge of their seats until the very end." (Fictional crime novel)

• "In Becoming, Michelle Obama reflects on her journey, highlighting the importance of pursuing excellence in education and public service." (Memoir, Michelle Obama)

Newspapers:

• "Local restaurant receives excellent reviews for its innovative menu and sustainable practices." (Headline, The Daily Herald)

• "The city council's new initiative aims to foster excellence in urban planning, prioritizing green spaces and efficient public transport." (Article, The Urban Times)

Online Publications:

• "This new smartphone boasts an excellent camera system, capable of capturing stunning detail even in low light." (Tech review, TechCrunch)

• "Dr. Anya Sharma's research on neuroplasticity is an excellent example of how interdisciplinary collaboration can lead to groundbreaking scientific discoveries." (Academic blog post, ScienceDaily)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film Review: "The film's cast delivers excellent performances, making even the most mundane scenes feel vibrant and engaging." (Film review website, Rotten Tomatoes)

• Video Game: "Your strategic decisions have been excellent, Commander! We've secured the objective." (In-game dialogue, Real-time strategy game)

• Music Album Review: "The band's latest album is an excellent blend of classic rock riffs and modern electronic beats, showcasing their versatility." (Music magazine online, Pitchfork)

• Stand-up Comedy: "That's an excellent point, sir! I hadn't thought of it that way." (Comedian responding to an audience member)

• Podcast: "Our guest today provided an excellent overview of the historical context behind these events, offering valuable insights." (Educational podcast)

General Public Discourse:

• "Your presentation was excellent! I learned so much." (Colleague feedback)

• "That was an excellent cup of coffee, exactly what I needed." (Casual conversation)

• "The children showed excellent sportsmanship throughout the game, win or lose." (Parent observing a sporting event)

• "We strive for excellence in all aspects of our customer service." (Business motto/statement)

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10 Famous Quotes Using Excellent

1. "An excellent man, who is learned in the Dharma, reaches Nirvana." (Buddha)

2. "The excellent becomes the permanent." (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essays: First Series)

3. "Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny." (Aristotle)

4. "If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." (Isaac Newton, a metaphorical quote implying building upon excellent past work)

5. "Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not: unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On!' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." (Calvin Coolidge, emphasizing the excellent quality of persistence)

6. "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." (Will Durant, paraphrasing Aristotle)

7. "Life's most urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" (Martin Luther King Jr., an excellent sentiment about contributing to society)

8. "Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it." (Salvador Dalí, implying the pursuit of excellent art without rigid boundaries)

9. "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." (Albert Einstein, suggesting an excellent quality of mind)

10. "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." (Steve Jobs, implying that passion leads to excellent results)

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Etymology

The word "excellent" has a rather straightforward and, well, excellent etymology!

It comes to us from the Middle English period (roughly 1150-1500 AD). From there, it traces back to Old French as "excellent," which meant "outstanding" or "excellent."

But the journey doesn't stop there. The Old French word itself originated from the Latin word excellentem (the root form being excellens). This Latin word was the present participle of the verb excellere, which meant "to tower," "to be prominent," "to surpass," or "to be superior."

So, you can see that the core meaning has remained consistent: "excellent" has always been about standing out, rising above, or being superior in some way. The idea of something "towering" or "prominent" is a great way to visualize this sense of being exceptionally good.

The first known use of "excellent" in English, with a meaning close to what we understand today, is recorded around 1384 in the Wycliffe Bible.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Excellent

Phrases/Idioms with "Excellent":

1. Excellent choice! (A common exclamation of approval for a decision.)

2. An excellent opportunity. (Referring to a very favorable chance or situation.)

3. Excellent work! (Commendation for a high-quality effort or result.)

4. In excellent condition. (Describing something that is in pristine or very good shape.)

5. An excellent example. (Referring to something that serves as a prime illustration.)

6. Excellent prospects. (Indicating a very promising future or outlook.)

7. To excellent effect. (Achieving a very good or successful outcome.)

Lesser-Known/Original Phrases/Idioms (or with synonyms for similar effect):

1. To reach for excellence. (To strive for the highest quality or achievement.)

2. A cut above the rest. (Idiom using a synonym for "excellent," meaning superior.)

3. Top-notch performance. (Idiom using a synonym, meaning a performance of the highest quality.)

4. Beyond compare. (Idiom implying something is so good it cannot be matched, akin to excellent.)

5. The gold standard. (Idiom signifying the best or most excellent example to which others are compared.)

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of excellent from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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