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Definition of excellence

excellence

/ˈɛk.sə.ləns/
ex · cel · lence
Adverb:excellently
•
Plural:excellences
•
Adjective:excellent
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excellence Lexical Profile

excellence Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality of being outstanding or extremely good; superiority or distinction.

Example

"The university has earned an international reputation for academic excellence."

2

An outstanding feature, talent, or virtue (often used in the plural).

Example

"Critics praised the many excellences of her debut novel, particularly its vivid prose."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for excellence

• Nearby Words

exceed
exceedingly
excel
excellence
excellency
excellent
excellently

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'excellence', from Latin 'excellentia' ('superiority, preeminence'), derived from the verb 'excellere' ('to rise above, surpass'), composed of 'ex-' ('out') and a root related to 'celsus' ('high, lofty').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Excellence. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/excellence
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