excellent

EK-suh-luhnt/ˈɛksələnt/

4 meanings of excellent

1
very goodadjective
Very, very good, much better than most others.
Like the best ice cream you have ever tasted.
The food at that little restaurant is excellent.
She got an excellent grade on her science test.
UsageSay excellent at something: excellent at chess. Say absolutely excellent, not ~~incorrect: very excellent~~.
2
approvalinterjection
Said to show that you are very happy with something someone has just said or done.
You fixed my bike already? Excellent!
Excellent, everyone is here, so we can start the game.
Similargreat
3
outstanding (good or bad)adjective
So great in degree that it stands out, whether the thing is good or bad.
Like being the best at something bad, such as the top cheater in a game.
He is an excellent liar, and people always believe him.
He is an excellent liar, so be careful what you believe.
Similarconsummate, supreme, accomplished, superlative
Note

Less common meaning

4
adverbobsolete
In a very good way, or very well.
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin excellēns, meaning "elevated" or "exalted," which came into English through Old French and Middle English.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact

Excellent derives from Latin excellēns, meaning elevated or exalted, through Old French and Middle English. en.wiktionary.org