verb
excel
ihk-SEHL
verb
1
To be very good at something, or to do noticeably better than others.
"She excels at mathematics and always tops the class."
"He excelled in every sport he tried."
How to Use Excel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo be outstanding at something.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with the spreadsheet program "Excel" (a brand name) — the verb is lowercase.
Common pairings
excel at
excel in
excel academically
Word Forms
excelled past tense, excels singular
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She _____ at mathematics and always tops the class.
Etymology
From Old French exceller, from Latin excellere, "to rise high, tower above" — from ex- ("out") plus a root related to "culmen" (top, summit), the same root as "culminate."