verb (used without object), ex·celled, ex·cel·ling.
- to surpass others or be superior in some respect or area; do extremely well: to excel in math.
verb (used with object), ex·celled, ex·cel·ling.
- to surpass; be superior to; outdo: He excels all other poets of his day.
verb -cels, -celling or -celled
- to be superior to (another or others); surpass
- (intr; foll by in or at) to be outstandingly good or proficienthe excels at tennis
v.c.1400, from Latin excellere “to rise, surpass, be eminent,” from ex- “out from” (see ex-) + -cellere “rise high, tower,” related to celsus “high, lofty, great,” from PIE root *kel- “to rise, be elevated” (see hill). Related: Excelled; excelling.