top-flight
/'tɔpflait/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Excellent; best possible; of the highest quality or rank: Used to describe something or someone that is considered among the very best in a particular field, category, or group.
Usage
- The adjective "top-flight" is used attributively, meaning it typically comes before a noun to modify it.
- It describes a standard of excellence that is first-rate or superior.
- It is often used in informal or journalistic contexts to provide strong, positive emphasis.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The company only hires top-flight engineers for its research division.
- She received her medical training at a top-flight university.
- The tournament features top-flight talent from around the world.
Advanced Usage
- "top-flight" as a compound modifier: It can be part of a hyphenated compound adjective before a noun.
- It was a top-flight performance that earned a standing ovation.
- Used to imply a level of prestige or elite status.
- Access to such top-flight institutions is highly competitive.
Variants and Related Words
- Top-tier (adj): Belonging to the highest level or rank.
- The team competes in a top-tier league.
- First-rate (adj): Of the best quality; excellent.
- The service at the hotel was first-rate.
- Premier (adj): First in importance, order, or position.
- The gallery exhibits premier contemporary artists.
Synonyms
- Excellent
- First-class
- Superior
- Elite
- A-grade
Antonyms
- Inferior
- Second-rate
- Mediocre
- Low-grade
Notes
- "Top-flight" is a closed compound adjective, almost always hyphenated.
- While the reference context notes its informal, chiefly American usage, it is widely understood in other varieties of English.
- It is synonymous with terms like "top-notch" and "first-rate."
Adjective
- excellent; best possible