par excellence

USAGE SUMMARY

'par excellence' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverbial phrase that means "in an exemplary manner or to an exceptional degree" and is typically used to describe someone or something that is superior to others in their field. Example sentence: She was an artist par excellence - her paintings were admired across the world.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Surrealism par excellence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ballroom dancer par excellence.

The New York Times

Dancer and Golfer Par Excellence.

The New York Times

He did so par excellence.

The New York Times - Sports

Comfort food par excellence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Brunch par excellence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Creepy par excellence.

The Guardian - Books

"Avatar" is a racial fantasy par excellence.

The New York Times

(Cicero was the eclectic par excellence).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Surely Japanese animation par excellence?

The Guardian - Film

THIS is America's college town par excellence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly identifies what the subject is excellent at. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "par excellence" in very informal or casual contexts. While generally acceptable, its sophisticated tone might feel out of place in casual conversations or informal writing. Choose a simpler alternative like "the best" or "top-notch" for such situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "par excellence" is as an adverbial phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes something as being the best of its kind or a quintessential example. It typically follows the noun it modifies, adding emphasis to its superior quality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Par excellence" is an adverbial phrase used to describe something that is the best of its kind. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to express exceptional quality or superiority and it is commonly used in formal contexts such as news, academia and science. When using "par excellence", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity and consider simpler alternatives like "supreme" or "exemplary" for less formal situations. Remember that "par excellence" serves to elevate the subject, presenting it as a benchmark of quality. Top sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the phrase, demonstrating its widespread acceptance in authoritative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Supreme

This alternative indicates the highest level or degree, suggesting ultimate quality.

Exemplary

This alternative emphasizes serving as a model or ideal, highlighting the quality of being a good example.

Outstanding

This alternative focuses on standing out from the rest, suggesting remarkable quality.

Best in class

This alternative emphasizes being the best within a specific category or group.

Second to none

This alternative indicates that something is the best and there is nothing better.

Incomparable

This alternative means matchless or unequaled, focusing on the lack of comparison.

Unrivaled

This alternative highlights the absence of competition or peers, emphasizing dominance.

World-class

This alternative suggests a level of excellence recognized globally.

Top-notch

This alternative is more informal, indicating high quality or excellence.

First-rate

This alternative is similar to top-notch, denoting superior quality or excellence.

FAQs

How can I use "par excellence" in a sentence?

Use "par excellence" to describe someone or something that is the best of its kind or a quintessential example. For instance, "She is a painter "par excellence"" means she's an exceptionally skilled painter.

What are some alternatives to "par excellence"?

You can use alternatives like "incomparable", "supreme", or "exemplary" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each of these emphasizes different aspects of being the best, such as being matchless, the highest level, or a model example.

Is it appropriate to use "par excellence" in formal writing?

Yes, "par excellence" is suitable for formal writing. It adds a sophisticated touch and is commonly used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts to denote something of exceptional quality.

What's the difference between "par excellence" and "very good"?

"Par excellence" implies that something is not just good, but the absolute best, representing the epitome of its kind. "Very good", on the other hand, simply indicates a high level of quality without necessarily implying it's the best.