Excel
What it means
To perform at an unusually high level in a particular activity.
Reach for it when recognizing demonstrated strength in a named field or task
With patient practice, Noor began to excel at explaining complex repairs.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
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| warm | |
| professional |
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| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
knock it out of the park
Fits when one outstanding result merits exuberant praise
Careful The idiom fits a single success, while excel usually describes a pattern.
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warm
Fits when talent is visible and the praise should feel personal
Careful Shine can celebrate presence or confidence without proving superior performance.
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warm
Fits when the setting supports broad growth and wellbeing
Careful A person can thrive while performing at an ordinary level.
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professional
Fits when command of a skill is deep and dependable
Careful Mastery implies near-complete competence and can overstate strong performance.
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formal
distinguish yourself
Fits when achievement sets someone apart from peers
Careful Distinction depends on comparison and may reward visibility rather than actual excellence.
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literary
Fits when ability develops beautifully under good conditions
Careful Flourishing includes confidence and vitality, not necessarily exceptional results.
Opposites 4
- struggle
- underperform
- fail
- flounder
Common phrases 3
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excel at
Several quiet students excel at spotting errors before assembly.
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excel in
She continued to excel in roles that required patient negotiation.
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help someone excel
Specific feedback can help someone excel without demanding perfection.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated