first-rate

[furst-reyt]

adjective

1. excellent; superb.

2. of the highest rank, rate, or class.

adverb

1. very well.

first-rate

adjective

1. of the best or highest rated class or quality

2. informal,  very good; excellent

adverb

1. not_standard,  very well; excellently

Word History and Origins

Origin of first-rate¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

The games will cost billions and generate billions, and L.A.’s kids shouldn’t be stuck with shabby recreational facilities while the elite athletes of the world compete at first-rate, dressed up facilities.

From Los Angeles Times

“It will not benefit Jewish Bruins nor Jews beyond campus who make extensive use of its first-rate medical facilities, ground-breaking scientific innovations, and cutting-edge cultural institutions.”

From Los Angeles Times

As Hannah Arendt said, “Totalitarianism in power invariably replaces all first-rate talents, regardless of their sympathies, with those crackpots and fools whose lack of intelligence and creativity is still the best guarantee of their loyalty.”

From Salon

“Totalitarianism in power invariably replaces all first-rate talents, regardless of their sympathies, with those crackpots and fools whose lack of intelligence and creativity is still the best guarantee of their loyalty.”

From Salon

There’s no accounting for when a show will speak to you, but this fleetly staged, sensationally acted touring production is first-rate all around.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• excellent 
• exceptional 
• high-quality 
• marvelous 
• outstanding 
• superb