Hi everyone,

Can I say that the verb 'excel' and the phrasal verb 'stand out' are synonyms?

When it comes to science subjects, Jane has always excelled.
When it comes to science subjects, Jane has always stood out.

I assume that excel is more formal that stand out, buy apart from that, I think they're interchangeable.

Am I right? 🙂

Thanks!

Question

Hi everyone,

Can I say that the verb 'excel' and the phrasal verb 'stand out' are synonyms?

When it comes to science subjects, Jane has always excelled.
When it comes to science subjects, Jane has always stood out.

I assume that excel is more formal that stand out, buy apart from that, I think they're interchangeable.

Am I right? 🙂

Thanks!

Answer

I excelled in organic chem. In fact, I was the only student in the class of 400 to submit a perfect final exam. But Jane stood out more than me. She was the one people asked for help. She was a good student too, but it was her dynamic personality that got her noticed. (Excelling by itself doesn’t necessarily make you stand out)

Answer

You are quite right ,  I would just like to emphasise the meaning of both these words

To be more precise 
Exceed signify to be be greater than or superior to

Stand out can signify that she draws attention from either looks or behaviour

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