A1 noun Neutral #2,204 most common

excellent

/ˈeksələnt/

Something that is extremely good or of very high quality. It is used to praise someone's work, a specific object, or a positive experience.

Examples

3 of 5
1

This chocolate cake is excellent!

This chocolate cake is extremely good!

2

The applicant has excellent communication skills.

The applicant has very high-quality communication skills.

3

That was an excellent movie, you should watch it.

That was a great movie, you should watch it.

Word Family

Noun
excellence
Verb
excel
Adverb
excellently
Adjective
excellent
Related
excellency
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Memory Tip

Think of the computer program 'Excel.' It is designed to help you organize data with high quality and precision.

Quick Quiz

The service at the new hotel was ____; the staff helped us with everything.

Correct!

The correct answer is: excellent

Examples

1

This chocolate cake is excellent!

everyday

This chocolate cake is extremely good!

2

The applicant has excellent communication skills.

formal

The applicant has very high-quality communication skills.

3

That was an excellent movie, you should watch it.

informal

That was a great movie, you should watch it.

4

The researcher provided excellent evidence for the theory.

academic

The researcher provided very high-quality evidence for the theory.

5

Our company offers excellent customer service.

business

Our company offers very high-quality customer service.

Word Family

Noun
excellence
Verb
excel
Adverb
excellently
Adjective
excellent
Related
excellency

Common Collocations

excellent condition in very good shape
excellent choice a very good decision
excellent opportunity a very good chance
excellent results very good outcomes
excellent performance a very high-quality show or effort

Common Phrases

Excellent work!

You did a very good job!

An excellent point

A very good or smart idea

In excellent health

Feeling very healthy and strong

Often Confused With

excellent vs great

'Great' is a general positive word, while 'excellent' specifically implies a higher standard of quality.

excellent vs excelling

'Excelling' is the present participle of the verb 'excel,' whereas 'excellent' is the adjective used for description.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'excellent' when you want to express a level of quality higher than just 'good.' It is a strong adjective that emphasizes high standards.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Avoid using 'very' with 'excellent' (e.g., 'very excellent') because 'excellent' is already a strong, non-gradable adjective.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the computer program 'Excel.' It is designed to help you organize data with high quality and precision.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin word 'excellere,' which means to rise above or surpass others.

Grammar Patterns

Can be used before a noun (e.g., an excellent day). Can follow linking verbs like 'be,' 'seem,' or 'look' (e.g., the food is excellent). It does not have comparative (-er) or superlative (-est) forms.
🌍

Cultural Context

In English-speaking education systems, 'Excellent' is often the highest possible grade or praise given by a teacher on an assignment.

Quick Quiz

The service at the new hotel was ____; the staff helped us with everything.

Correct!

The correct answer is: excellent

More Descriptions words

fine

A1

A fine is a sum of money that you must pay as a penalty for breaking a law, rule, or regulation. It is a common punishment for minor offenses such as traffic violations or late library books.

rapid

A1

A part of a river where the water flows very fast over rocks. It is a place in a stream where the current is very strong and the water surface is broken.

huge

A1

Something that is huge is extremely large in size, amount, or degree. It is a more powerful word than 'big' used to emphasize that something is much larger than normal.

giant

A1

A giant is an imaginary creature that looks like a human but is much bigger and stronger. It is also used to describe a real person or thing that is very large or successful.

massive

A1

Something that is massive is very, very large and heavy. It can also describe something that is much bigger or more powerful than usual.

short

A1

Describes something that measures a small distance from one end to the other or is not tall in height. It is also used to describe a brief period of time or a limited amount of something.

narrow

A1

Narrow describes something that has a very small distance from one side to the other. It is the opposite of wide and is often used to describe roads, paths, or spaces.

wonderful

A1

Something that is very good, pleasant, or makes you feel great admiration. It is used to describe things or experiences that are extremely enjoyable and high in quality.

nice

A1

A word used to describe something that is pleasant, enjoyable, or attractive. It also describes a person who is kind, friendly, and polite to others.

ugly

A1

Something that is unpleasant to look at and lacks beauty or attractiveness. It can also describe a situation, behavior, or sound that is very unpleasant, mean, or dangerous.

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