excel

To be very good at an activity or subject.

• She excels at maths.
• Both students excelled in their studies.
• Do you excel at solving problems?

How to use it: excel at something/doing something (She excels at explaining difficult ideas.); excel in something (He excels in science.)

Similar words: shine, be outstanding

Common phrases: excel at something, excel in something, excel at sport

To do something much better than you usually do.

• You really excelled yourself tonight.
• The chef excelled herself with the wedding cake.
• They excelled themselves in the final match.

How to use it: excel yourself (You have excelled yourself with this wonderful meal.)

Similar words: outdo yourself, surpass yourself

Common phrases: excel yourself, really excel yourself, excel oneself

To be better than someone or something else.

• Her skill excels that of her colleagues.
• The young musician excelled his teacher in technique.
• Their craftsmanship excels anything produced by their competitors.

How to use it: excel someone/something in something (She excelled her rivals in accuracy.)

Similar words: surpass, outdo, exceed

Common phrases: excel someone, excel all others, excel in something