Excel
/ik'sel/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject: To perform or achieve at a level that is superior to others.
- To surpass others or oneself in quality, degree, or achievement: To stand out due to outstanding performance.
Usage
- The verb "excel" is typically used with the prepositions "in" or "at" to specify the area of excellence.
- Use "excel in" for broader fields, subjects, or domains (e.g., excel in science, excel in leadership).
- Use "excel at" for specific skills, activities, or tasks (e.g., excel at chess, excel at problem-solving).
- It can be used intransitively (without a direct object) or transitively (with a reflexive pronoun like "herself" or an implied object).
Examples
- Intransitive use (with "in" or "at"):
- She has always excelled in mathematics and physics.
- He excels at public speaking and debate.
- Transitive/reflexive use:
- She excelled herself with her latest novel, which won several awards.
- The athlete excelled all previous records in the competition.
Advanced Usage
- "to excel as": To be outstanding in a specific role or capacity.
- She excels as a mentor to young engineers.
- "to excel beyond": To surpass a certain limit or expectation.
- His dedication allowed him to excel beyond what anyone predicted.
Variants and Related Words
- Excellence (n): The quality of being outstanding or extremely good.
- The company is known for its excellence in customer service.
- Excellent (adj): Extremely good; outstanding.
- The meal was excellent.
- Excellently (adv): In an excellent manner.
- The project was executed excellently.
Synonyms
- Shine: To be conspicuously good at something. (e.g., )
- Outperform: To perform better than someone or something else.
- Surpass: To exceed or go beyond in degree, amount, or quality.
Related Phrases
- "to stand out": To be noticeably better or more prominent than others, often used similarly to "excel."
- Her innovative design made her stand out among the applicants.
- "to be a cut above" (idiom): To be noticeably superior to others.
- His technical skills are a cut above the rest of the team.
Notes
- "Excel" implies a consistent or proven high standard of performance, not just a single instance of success.
- It is a formal verb but is commonly used in both academic and professional contexts.
Verb
- distinguish oneself
- She excelled in math