hervorragendes

Hervorragendes is the neuter singular inflected form of the German adjective hervorragend, meaning outstanding or excellent. It is used attributively before a neuter noun to express that something is exceptionally good. For example, ein hervorragendes Ergebnis, ein hervorragendes Material. When the noun is preceded by a definite article, the ending changes: das hervorragende Ergebnis, das hervorragende Material. The form hervorragendes appears most commonly when there is no definite article or when the indefinite article ein is used.

Etymology and meaning: hervorragend derives from hervor- “out, forth” combined with ragen “to protrude,” conveying the sense of standing out or surpassing others. In use, hervorragend emphasizes a high level of quality or performance, similar to ways of saying “outstanding,” “excellent,” or “superb” in English. It is a formal, evaluative term found in reviews, academic writing, professional reports, and high-quality product descriptions, as well as in news language when praising a result or achievement.

Usage notes: Although widespread, highly positive adjectives like hervorragend carry a strong connotation and may sound overly flattering in casual speech. In everyday conversation, milder alternatives such as ausgezeichnet or sehr gut are common. The noun form das Hervorragende (capitalized) is rare and used in stylistic or philosophical contexts to refer to something outstanding in a more abstract sense.

Relation to related terms: The base adjective dessen form is hervorragend; related synonyms include ausgezeichnet, erstklassig, hervorragend. In translations, hervorra gendes equivalents include “outstanding,” “excellent,” or “superb,” depending on context.

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