excels

[ɪkˈsɛlz]
verb
se destaca, excele, sobressai
1. to be exceptionally good at or proficient in something; to surpass others in performance or quality
She excels in mathematics and science.
Ela se destaca em matemática e ciências.
2. to go beyond what is expected or required; to perform at a superior level
This company excels at customer service.
Esta empresa se sobressai no atendimento ao cliente.
3. to surpass in achievement, skill, or quality
He excels his competitors in innovation.
Ele supera seus concorrentes em inovação.
In Brazilian Portuguese culture, 'se destaca' and 'sobressai' are commonly used in academic and professional contexts. In Rio de Janeiro, the informal 'manda bem' reflects a more relaxed, colloquial approach. In the USA, particularly NYC, expressions like 'kills it' or 'crushes it' are increasingly used in informal settings among younger speakers, while 'excels' remains the formal standard in professional and educational environments.
NYC Slang
kills it, crushes it, goes hard, dominates
Synonyms / Sinônimos
surpassesoutperformsshinessucceedstriumphsexcelsthrives
Antonyms / Antônimos
failsunderperformsstrugglesfalterslanguishes

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
se destaca, excele, sobressai
most common usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
manda bem, se destaca
colloquial alternative, 'manda bem' is very popular in Rio slang
São Paulo
se sobressai, excele
formal usage preferred in business contexts
Portugal
se sobressai, destaca-se, excela
Portuguese uses different conjugation patterns; 'excela' in subjunctive mood

Related Words

excellenceexcelexcellentexceptionalsuperiorproficient

Related Idioms & Phrases

excel oneself - to perform even better than usual
excel at something - to be particularly good at a specific activity
excel in one's field - to be outstanding within one's profession or specialty
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