excellency

ex-cel-len-cy · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A title of honor given to high-ranking officials such as ambassadors, governors, and heads of state.

  2. 2.

    (Archaic) The quality of being excellent; excellence.

Forms

plural: excellencies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    His/Her Excellency — formal title for ambassadors and heads of state
  • •
    Your Excellency — form of direct address to such officials

Related words

See also: ambassador, excellence, excellent, governor
Synonyms: eminence, excellence

Etymology

From Latin "excellentia" (superiority, excellence), from "excellere" (to surpass). Used as a title of honor since the 16th century in English, modeled on similar honorifics in other European languages.