Definition

Noun 1. The highest quality or grade; the finest excellence: This term originates from the diamond trade, where "water" refers to the clarity and purity of a gemstone. "First water" thus denotes gems of the absolute finest clarity and quality. By extension, it is used metaphorically to describe anything or anyone of the utmost excellence in their field.

Usage Examples

• Literal (Historical/Jewelry Context):

  • The auction featured a diamond of the first water, utterly flawless and brilliant.
  • In the 19th century, only stones of the first water were considered worthy of royalty.

• Figurative/Modern Usage:

  • She is a violinist of the first water, performing with unparalleled skill and emotion.
  • The research was a scientific discovery of the first water, revolutionizing the entire field.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost always used in the construction "of the first water" to modify a noun, indicating it is the best example of its kind.
  • His performance was villainy of the first water. (Meaning: It was the epitome of villainous behavior.)
  • The scheme was a fraud of the first water. (Meaning: It was an absolutely pure, unadulterated fraud.)

Variants and Related Words

• First-rate (adj.): Of the highest quality; excellent. (A more common modern synonym).
  • He is a first-rate surgeon.
• Top-notch (adj.): Of the highest quality; excellent.
  • They provide top-notch service.

Synonyms

• Par excellence
• Supreme
• Unsurpassed
• Peerless
• Nonpareil
• A-1 (informal)

Notes on Meaning

While its primary and original meaning is positive (the highest quality), the phrase "of the first water" can be used ironically or negatively to emphasize that something is an extreme or archetypal example of a negative quality, as shown in the "Advanced Usage" examples (e.g., "a fool of the first water").

Noun

1. the highest quality gems