superb
exceptionally goodThe chef prepared a superb meal that delighted all the guests.
The meal was of the highest quality and highly enjoyable.
of the highest quality; excellent
Her performance in the competition was superb.
She performed exceptionally well in the competition.
The hotel room had superb views of the ocean.
The views from the hotel room were stunning.
Used to describe something that surpasses ordinary standards. Often used in formal or written contexts.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Avoid redundancy
Do not pair 'superb' with other intensifiers like 'very' or 'extremely' (e.g., 'very superb' is incorrect). Instead, use it alone for maximum impact.
Gold Rule
Use for genuine excellence
Superb should only describe things that truly stand out. Do not use it for minor achievements or everyday good performance.
Word Origin
From Latin *superbus* (proud, haughty), via Old French *superbe*, meaning 'proud' or 'noble'. The sense of 'excellent' developed in the 15th century.
Usage Notes
Superb is a strong adjective implying excellence beyond the ordinary. It is often used in formal contexts (e.g., academic, professional) rather than casual speech. Avoid overusing it in writing as it can sound overly dramatic.