Definition

Adverb: To a degree or in a manner that is outstandingly superior to others; markedly better.

Usage

This adverbial phrase is used to compare one person or thing to others, emphasizing a very clear and significant superiority in quality, ability, or performance. It is almost always followed by a comparative reference (e.g., "above the others," "above the rest").

Examples

• Her latest novel is head and shoulders above her previous work in terms of character development.
• As a strategist, he was considered head and shoulders above his competitors.
• This software is head and shoulders above anything else available on the market.

Advanced Usage

The phrase can be used in various grammatical structures while maintaining its core comparative meaning. * With "the rest" or "all others": * In terms of raw talent, she stands head and shoulders above the rest of the team. * In a predicative position: * The quality of their customer service is head and shoulders above.

Variants and Related Words

• Superior (adj.): Of higher quality or greater power.
• Outstanding (adj.): Exceptionally good; clearly noticeable for excellence.
• Preeminent (adj.): Surpassing all others; very distinguished.

Synonyms

• Far superior to
• Miles ahead of
• In a different league from
• Beyond compare with

Related Idioms

• In a class of its own: So good that it cannot be compared to others in the same category.
  • While other phones are good, this model is in a class of its own.
• Second to none: The best; better than all others.
  • Their commitment to research is second to none.

Adverb

1. outstandingly superior to
   • in intelligence he was head and shoulders above the others in his class