sterling

/'stə:liɳ/

Thân thiện

A jeweler examines a sterling silver necklace under a bright light.

Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Highest in quality; excellent; of the highest standard: Used to describe something of outstanding value, character, or workmanship.
   • Genuine; of standard purity: Specifically refers to silver that is 92.5% pure, the standard for British coinage and high-quality silverware.

2. Noun:

   • British money; especially the pound sterling as the basic monetary unit of the UK: The official currency of the United Kingdom.
   • Sterling silver: Silver of 92.5% purity.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • He is a person of sterling character. (He is a person of excellent and reliable character.)
  • This is a sterling example of craftsmanship. (This is a prime example of high-quality craftsmanship.)
  • The cutlery is made from sterling silver. (The cutlery is made from silver that is 92.5% pure.)

• Noun:

  • The price is listed in sterling. (The price is listed in British pounds.)
  • She inherited a set of antique sterling. (She inherited a set of antique sterling silver items.)

Advanced Usage

• "Sterling reputation": An excellent and highly respected reputation.

  • The company has a sterling reputation for integrity. (The company is widely known for its excellent integrity.)

• "Pound sterling": The full official name for the British currency unit.

  • The invoice must be paid in pound sterling. (The invoice must be paid using British pounds.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sterlingly (adverb): In an excellent or admirable manner. (Rarely used)
  • He performed sterlingly under pressure.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Excellent, superb, first-rate, impeccable, genuine, pure.
• Noun: Pound, GBP (Great British Pound), quid (British informal).

Related Phrases

• Sterling area/block: A historical group of countries that tied their currencies to the British pound.
  • After the war, several Commonwealth nations were part of the sterling area.

Idioms

• "Sterling effort/work": A very good and praiseworthy attempt or piece of work.
  • The team put in a sterling effort to finish the project on time. (The team made an excellent effort.)

Học thuật

Adjective

1. highest in quality

Noun

1. British money; especially the pound sterling as the basic monetary unit of the UK

Từ đồng nghĩa

• greatest
• sterling
• superlative