Aplus

Part of speech: noun, adjective

Definitions

1. A grade or mark indicating the highest achievement in an evaluation ; the equivalent of an excellent or superior rating in a system of judgment ; a symbol denoting outstanding performance in a graded assessment
2. A label used to signify exemplary results in schooling or testing ; a sign expressing the best possible standing in an appraisal ; a notation for exceptional accomplishment or superiority
3. An indicator for superior proficiency in academic or professional settings ; a score denoting the utmost distinction available in a classification ; a representation of top-tier excellence in grading

Etymology: "Plus" is the Latin word for "more," the neuter form of a comparative, so an A-plus literally signals "more than an A." English borrowed the word in the 1500s, and the mathematical plus sign later became shorthand for addition, which is why a letter grade can take the same symbol. The letter is the older part. American schools began ranking students with letters in the late 1800s, and the first letter of the alphabet naturally marked the top rank. Refinements like plus and minus came later, in the early twentieth century, when schools wanted finer distinctions than a simple scale of letters allowed.

Synonyms: A plus, excellent, outstanding, superior, top

Antonyms: failure, poor, inferior, bad, below average