vortrefflich
Translation
excellent, splendid, superb, admirable
Examples
Das Essen war vortrefflich.
The food was excellent.
Er ist ein vortrefflicher Musiker.
He is an excellent musician.
Grammar Patterns
((predicative)) as a predicate: excellent The food was vortrefflich.
((attributive)) as an attribute: an excellent ein vortrefflicher Musiker
Similar Words
Synonyms: ausgezeichnet, hervorragend, exzellent; Antonyms: schlecht, miserabel
Etymology
From 'vor-' (before, forth) and 'treffen' (to hit). The idea is 'hitting the mark' ahead of others.
Memory Tips
Think of something that 'hits' you with its quality 'before' anything else. It's outstanding.