Excel vs. Excell – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is excel. The word “excell” is a common misspelling and should be avoided in all written communication. Excel is a verb meaning to be exceptionally good at something, to surpass others, or to perform outstandingly. Always use the single ‘L’ spelling for this word.
Excel or Excell – Which is Correct?
The distinction between “excel” and “excell” is straightforward: “excel” is the universally accepted and correct spelling, while “excell” is a common misspelling. The root cause of this error often stems from phonetic confusion, as the ‘el’ sound at the end of the word can sometimes lead people to mistakenly add a second ‘L’, mimicking words like “excellency” or “excellent” which do have two ‘L’s but are derived differently or function as different parts of speech.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excel | Verb | To be superior or outstanding in a particular area; to surpass others. | “She always strives to excel in her academic pursuits.” |
| Excell | Misspelling | An incorrect spelling of the verb “excel.” | “Using ‘excell’ instead of ‘excel’ is a common error.” |
How to Use Excel
“Excel” is a versatile verb used to describe achieving a high level of performance or skill in a particular area. It implies exceeding expectations, performing better than others, or reaching a state of superiority. It’s often used in formal and professional contexts, but also fits well in casual discussions about personal achievements and aspirations. The tone is generally positive and aspirational.
Example 1: To succeed in this competitive market, companies must constantly innovate and excel in customer service.
Example 2: Despite the challenges, the young athlete managed to excel at the national championship, winning three gold medals.
Example 3: Her ability to excel under pressure makes her an invaluable asset to the team.
What are the different forms of Excel?
The verb “excel” follows regular conjugation patterns for the most part, but it’s important to remember the doubling of the ‘L’ when adding suffixes that begin with a vowel, particularly in British English. In American English, the ‘L’ is usually not doubled before a vowel suffix if the stress is not on the last syllable, but for ‘excel’, the stress is on the second syllable, so the ‘L’ is doubled in both variations.
- Present Tense (third person singular): excels (e.g., “He excels at mathematics.”)
- Present Participle: excelling (e.g., “She is excelling in her new role.”)
- Past Tense: excelled (e.g., “They excelled in the previous quarter.”)
- Past Participle: excelled (e.g., “Having excelled in the trials, he was selected for the team.”)
Etymology of the word Excel
The word “excel” comes from the Latin verb excellere, which means “to rise up, be eminent, surpass.” This Latin root is a combination of ex- (meaning “out, forth”) and cellere (meaning “to rise high, to tower”). The word entered English in the late 14th century, carrying its original meaning of surpassing others or being superior, a meaning that has remained consistent through the centuries.
Related Concepts
Understanding the difference between “excel” and “excell” highlights a broader linguistic concept: the importance of distinguishing between words that sound similar but have different spellings and meanings, or in this case, a correct spelling versus a common misspelling. This often arises from phonetic spelling habits, where people write words as they sound rather than adhering to established orthography. Many common misspellings, such as “definitely” (often written as “definately”) or “separate” (often written as “seperate”), stem from similar phonetic traps. Developing strong proofreading skills and being aware of common errors are crucial for maintaining clarity and credibility in written communication.
This principle extends to other commonly confused terms, such as understanding the distinction between accel and excel.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “He had a natural talent for music and was determined to excel in his craft.” (General literature)
- “Our goal is not just to compete, but to truly excel and set new industry standards.” (Business publication)
- “The protagonist’s journey was one of constant struggle, yet he found ways to excel against all odds.” (Fictional narrative)
- “To excel in the culinary arts requires both passion and relentless practice.” (Cookbook preface)
- “The team’s strategy allowed them to excel where others had failed, securing a decisive victory.” (Sports commentary)
Excel Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Surpass | To exceed; be greater than or superior to. |
| Outshine | To be more impressive or better than someone or something else. |
| Triumph | To achieve a victory or success. |
| Shine | To perform outstandingly well. |
| Dominate | To have a commanding influence on; to be the most important or conspicuous feature of. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Why is “excell” such a common misspelling?
The misspelling “excell” is common primarily due to phonetic interference. The ‘el’ sound at the end of “excel” can lead writers to mistakenly double the ‘L’, especially when considering other words like “excellent” or “excellency” that do feature a double ‘L’.
Question 2: How can I remember the correct spelling of “excel”?
A simple mnemonic is to remember that “excel” has a single ‘L’, just like the word “level” (if you think of it horizontally). Or, you can associate “excel” with “excellence” and remember that while “excellence” has two ‘L’s, the verb “excel” itself has only one, focusing on the core action of “going out” (ex-) and “rising” (-cel).
Question 3: Is “Excel” (with a capital E) the same as “excel”?
“Excel” (with a capital ‘E’) typically refers to Microsoft Excel, the popular spreadsheet software. When referring to the verb meaning “to be superior or outstanding,” it is spelled “excel” (lowercase ‘e’), unless it begins a sentence. Context usually makes the distinction clear.
Conclusion
In the realm of precise language, understanding the correct spelling of words is paramount. For the keyword “excel or excell,” the answer is definitive: “excel” is the only correct spelling for the verb meaning to perform exceptionally well or to surpass others. “Excell” is a persistent misspelling that should be consciously avoided in all forms of writing.
Pro Tip: Maintaining accuracy in spelling, especially for commonly confused words, reinforces your credibility and professionalism. A single ‘L’ in “excel” ensures your message always hits the mark with clarity and correctness.
