ace
C1Predominantly informal, except in specific card/tennis contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A single spot on a playing card, typically the highest-value card; by extension, someone who is exceptionally skilled at something.
Something excellent or outstanding; to perform exceptionally well, especially on a test; to serve an ace in tennis; a pilot who has shot down multiple enemy aircraft; informal: a close friend.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core concept is 'singular excellence'. As a noun, it can refer to the literal card, a person, or an action (in tennis). As an adjective, it means 'excellent'. As a verb, it means 'to excel at' or 'to serve an ace'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is broadly similar. In UK informal speech, 'ace' as an adjective ('That's ace!') is well-established but perhaps slightly dated. In US usage, 'ace' as a verb meaning 'to excel at' (esp. a test) is more dominant.
Connotations
In both, carries positive, often youthful or enthusiastic connotations when used informally. In formal/military contexts (ace pilot), connotations are of elite skill.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US English as a verb ('to ace a test').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Sb] aces [sth] (e.g., She aced the test)[Sb] serves an acean ace at [doing sth] (e.g., He's an ace at fixing cars)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ace up your sleeve”
- “ace in the hole”
- “hold all the aces”
- “within an ace of (doing) something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informal: 'He aced the presentation.' Metaphor: 'We need an ace up our sleeve for the negotiation.'
Academic
Informal: 'She aced her finals.'
Everyday
Widespread informal use: 'That film was ace!' (UK) / 'I aced my driving test.' (US/UK)
Technical
Specific use in tennis (scoring), aviation (ace pilot), and card games.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She completely aced her mock A-Levels.
- He aced the penalty shot in the last minute.
American English
- You're going to ace that job interview.
- She aced every module in her first semester.
adverb
British English
- This new software works ace on my old laptop. (Informal/regional)
American English
- The team played ace in the final quarter. (Rare/Informal)
adjective
British English
- The new bakery does ace pastries.
- He's an ace guitarist in a local band.
American English
- That was an ace play during the basketball game.
- She's an ace programmer we just hired.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have an ace in my hand of cards.
- He is a tennis ace.
- She served three aces in a row.
- My brother is an ace at solving puzzles.
- Feeling prepared was her ace in the hole during the difficult negotiation.
- You need to ace the practical exam to pass the course.
- The journalist, an ace investigator, uncovered the corruption scandal.
- They came within an ace of winning the championship last season.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'A' on an ACE card standing for 'A'wesome or 'A'mazing skill.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIGHEST CARD IS EXCELLENCE (The top card represents the peak of quality or skill).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not related to 'ас' (ace in Russian gaming slang) in etymology or formal meaning. Avoid using 'ace' for just any 'specialist' – it implies exceptional, not just competent. The adjective 'ace' (отличный) is more informal than 'excellent'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'an ace' to mean simply 'a good idea' (needs the idiomatic 'ace up your sleeve'). Confusing 'ace' (adj.) with 'awesome' in very formal writing. Overusing as an adjective in professional contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'an ace up your sleeve', what does 'ace' metaphorically represent?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is predominantly informal. Avoid it in formal academic or business reports; use 'excellent', 'outstanding', or 'superb' instead.
Yes, but it is slightly less common than in American English. It is perfectly understood and used, especially by younger speakers (e.g., 'ace an exam').
They are very similar, both meaning a hidden advantage. 'Ace in the hole' originates from stud poker (a hidden card), while 'ace up your sleeve' implies a secret trick, potentially with a slight connotation of deceit.
It is a noun used attributively (like an adjective) to modify the noun 'pilot'. A 'flying ace' is a pilot who is an ace (a noun meaning an expert who has shot down many planes).
Explore