To perform extremely well or better than others at something.
From Latin 'excellere' meaning 'to rise out,' from 'ex-' (out) + 'celsus' (high). The meaning evolved from literally being higher to surpassing others in quality.
The Latin root 'celsus' also gives us 'ceiling'—both words originally meant 'high,' so when you excel, you're literally reaching the ceiling of achievement!
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