What does “Above par” mean?
"Above par" means performing better than average or better than expected.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Her performance in the competition was above par.
Example
The food at the restaurant was above par and exceeded our expectations.
Example
The team's performance in the game was above par and they won with a large margin
Is “Above par” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Above par” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Above par” effectively in context?
You can use "Above par" to describe something that exceeds expectations or is better than average. Here are three distinct situations where you can use the phrase effectively:
- 1Sports
Her performance in the competition was above par. She scored higher than anyone else and won the gold medal.
- 2Food
The food at the restaurant was above par and exceeded our expectations. The flavors were exceptional and the presentation was top-notch.
- 3Performance
The team's performance in the game was above par and they won with a large margin. They played exceptionally well and outperformed their opponents.
Similar phrases to “Above par”:
Top-notch
Of the highest quality or excellence
Example
The service at the hotel was top-notch. The staff was attentive and the amenities were excellent.
Exceed expectations
To perform or deliver better than what was anticipated
Example
The movie exceeded my expectations. It was much better than I thought it would be.
Exceptionally good or impressive
Example
The student's performance in the exam was outstanding. They scored the highest marks in the class.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Above par” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Above par" comes from the game of golf. In golf, 'par' refers to the number of strokes a skilled golfer is expected to take to complete a hole or a round. If a golfer performs better than the expected number of strokes, they are said to be 'above par.' The phrase has since been adopted to describe anything that is better than average or better than expected.
Is “Above par” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Above par" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe something that is better than average or better than expected.
What tone does “Above par” have?
"Above par" conveys a tone of positivity and satisfaction. It is used to highlight excellence and surpassing expectations.
Can “Above par” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Above par" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as sports, food, or performance evaluations. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations like business meetings or presentations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Her performance was above par and she received a standing ovation.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That dish was above par!' to express satisfaction with the food.
