stellar

stellar — adjective

1. relating to stars that exist in outer space

1.形容詞B2
釋義

relating to stars that exist in outer space

例句

The new telescope can capture images of stellar surfaces in great detail.

attributive: stellar + noun (surface, system, dust)

Élise presented her findings on how stellar dust clouds give birth to new planets.

同義詞
  • astral

    more poetic or mystical in tone; rare in modern scientific texts

  • sidereal

    a technical term used in astronomy for measurements based on the stars

用法筆記

This is the only literal sense. It usually appears before a noun (attributive position) in scientific writing about astronomy.

常見錯誤

❌The night sky was full of stellar light.
✅The night sky was full of starlight.
💡'stellar' is an adjective meaning 'of stars'; do not use it as a noun.

2. extremely good in quality or performance

2.形容詞B2
釋義

extremely good in quality or performance

例句

The chef prepared a stellar three-course dinner that left all the guests speechless.

attributive: stellar + noun (meal, review, work, career)

Rohan earned a stellar evaluation from his manager for completing the project ahead of schedule.

同義詞
  • outstanding

    more formal; common in written school reports and job appraisals

  • exceptional

    stronger than stellar; suggests something rare and remarkable

  • superb

    similar register to stellar but slightly more emphatic in tone

反義詞
  • mediocre

    average or below average; the direct opposite

  • poor

    low quality; far below stellar standards

用法筆記

This figurative sense is common in everyday conversation, online reviews, and informal feedback. It always appears before a noun.

常見錯誤

❌The report was stellar with mistakes.
✅The report had a stellar rating.
💡'stellar' means excellent, not 'full of stars' or 'full of' something.