excelsior
0 antonyms and opposites of excelsior, grouped by meaning.
Interjection — A rallying cry meaning "ever upward," used to urge continued progress.
Etymology
From Latin excelsior, "higher," the comparative of excelsus ("high"). The rallying-cry sense comes from Longfellow's 1841 poem "Excelsior" and was later popularized by Marvel editor Stan Lee.
Full origin of excelsior →Frequently asked questions
What does “excelsior” mean?
The word “excelsior” means a rallying cry meaning "ever upward," used to urge continued progress. In plain terms, either a "keep climbing higher" battle cry, or the wood-shaving packing material.
How do you pronounce “excelsior”?
“Excelsior” is pronounced ehk-SEHL-see-aw (/ɛkˈsɛl.si.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “excelsior” in a sentence?
Here is “excelsior” used in a sentence: “Comic-book fans know "Excelsior!" as Stan Lee's famous sign-off.”
What part of speech is “excelsior”?
Depending on how it is used, “excelsior” can be an interjection and a noun.
Where does the word “excelsior” come from?
The word “excelsior” dates back to around 1841 and comes from Latin. From Latin excelsior, "higher," the comparative of excelsus ("high"). The rallying-cry sense comes from Longfellow's 1841 poem "Excelsior" and was later popularized by Marvel editor Stan Lee.
How many meanings does “excelsior” have?
“Excelsior” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rallying cry meaning "ever upward," used to urge continued progress.