Analysis of “Outstanding” Synonym
1. The Word “Outstanding”
“Outstanding” is an adjective in English. It has multiple meanings. One of the main meanings is "excellent" or "superior". For example, “She gave an outstanding performance in the play.” Here, it emphasizes that her performance was of a very high quality, far above average.
Another meaning is “not yet paid, resolved, or completed”. For example, “There are still some outstanding bills to be paid.” In this case, it refers to something that remains to be dealt with.
2. The Concept of a “Synonym”
A synonym is a word or phrase that has a similar meaning to another word or phrase. The use of synonyms can add variety and nuance to our language. For example, instead of always using the word “happy,” we can use synonyms such as “joyful,” “delighted,” or “ecstatic” to convey different intensities of the happy feeling.
3. Synonyms for “Outstanding” (in the Sense of Excellence)
- Exceptional: This means unusual in a positive way, standing out from the ordinary. For example, “The restaurant is known for its exceptional cuisine.” It emphasizes that the quality of the cuisine is extraordinary, similar to the way “outstanding” implies excellence.
- Superb: It means of the highest quality or excellence. For example, “He did a superb job on the project.” This word gives a sense of something being first - rate, just like the excellent meaning of “outstanding.”
- Exemplary: It means serving as a desirable model. For example, “Her exemplary behavior in class was praised by the teacher.” It implies that her behavior is an outstanding example for others to follow, similar to the positive connotation of “outstanding” when it refers to something excellent.
4. Synonyms for “Outstanding” (in the Sense of Unresolved or Unpaid)
- Unsettled: This means not yet resolved or determined. For example, “There are some unsettled matters in the contract.” It emphasizes the state of being unresolved, similar to the meaning of “outstanding” when it refers to things that need to be completed or settled.
- Unpaid: As the name suggests, it means not yet paid. For example, “There are a few unpaid invoices.” It is a more specific synonym when “outstanding” is used to refer to financial obligations that are still due.
- Overdue: It means not having been done or paid at the expected or required time. For example, “The library books are overdue.” It implies that something should have been completed or paid by a certain time and is now late, similar to the sense of “outstanding” when it refers to something that remains to be taken care of past the due date.