Word
stellar
Phoneticsstel·lar, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɛɫɝ/
UK/stˈɛlɐ/
Definitions
01related to stars
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Technical
adj. relating to the stars in the sky.
adj. pertaining to, consisting of, or characteristic of stars.
“The telescope allowed the scientists to study stellar evolution in distant galaxies.”
“The observatory's new spectrograph provides unprecedented detail regarding the stellar composition of clusters located at the edge of the Milky Way.”
Usage
In this sense, the word is non-gradable and typically appears before the noun.
02excellent
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. exceptionally good or outstanding.
adj. exceptionally good; outstanding or featuring a high level of performance.
“The young actress gave a stellar performance in her first major film.”
“Despite the economic downturn, the company reported stellar profits thanks to a series of strategic acquisitions in the tech sector.”
Teaching tip
This is a very common way to praise a professional or artistic achievement in modern English.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Kane, the England captain, won the award after a stellar season in which he won the Bundesliga and German Cup while Bayern also reached the Champions League semi-finals.” “Scientists discovered these growing stars can keep pulling in gas and dust for millions of years, extending an important stage of stellar development.” “My job was to look for a France-based talent born in 1997 who could go on to have a stellar career.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin stēllāris.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/stellar