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first rate love

first rate

Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective idiomatic superb, exceptional; of the best sort; very high quality

Etymologies

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Examples

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synonyms (26)

Words with the same meaning

  1. best
  2. capital
  3. dandy
  4. fine
  5. first-chop
  6. first-class
  7. greatest
  8. highest
  9. maximal
  10. maximum
  11. most
  12. prime
  13. superior
  14. superlative
  15. supreme
  16. tip-top
  17. top
  18. top-drawer
  19. top-hole
  20. top-notch
  21. topflight
  22. topmost
  23. topping
  24. tops
  25. uppermost
  26. utmost

cross-references (5)

Cross-references

  1. a-number-one
  2. second rate
  3. third rate
  4. top notch
  5. top of the line

Comments

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  • reesetee commented on the word first rate

    Beginning in the 16th century and until steam-powered ships took over, British naval ships were rated according to the number of heavy cannon they carried. A ship of 100 or more guns was a First Rate line-of-battle ship. Second rates carried 90 to 98 guns; Third Rates, 64 to 89 guns; Fourth Rates, 50 to 60 guns. Frigates carrying 20 to 48 guns were fifth and sixth rated. The term "first rate" is now used to imply excellence.

    January 8, 2008

  • chained_bear commented on the word first rate

    Wow, I bet that's where "ship of the line" comes from too.

    January 8, 2008

  • reesetee commented on the word first rate

    I'd imagine so. I like that phrase--it has a nice "roll" to it.

    January 8, 2008