nonpareil
C2Formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
A person or thing regarded as the finest, having no equal; unrivalled.
A small, flat disc of chocolate covered with hundreds-and-thousands (sprinkles). Also, a type of small confectionery (often sugar beads). Historically, a 6-point type size in printing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a noun, but can function as an adjective. Strongly connotes absolute, unchallengeable superiority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is known in both varieties. As a chocolate/confectionery term, 'nonpareils' is more common in AmE. In BrE, the chocolate is often simply described or called 'sprinkles' or 'hundreds-and-thousands'.
Connotations
Slightly more archaic/poetic in BrE. In AmE, retains a touch of old-fashioned elegance but is more familiar due to the candy name.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both varieties. More likely found in writing or descriptive contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] + nonpareil + in/of + [field][be] + the nonpareil + of + [category][noun] + nonpareilVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; may be used in hyperbolic marketing: 'a service nonpareil'.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, art history, and biographical praise.
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual conversation; would sound intentionally grandiose.
Technical
In printing/publishing, refers specifically to a 6-point type size.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- Her nonpareil skill on the violin left the audience breathless.
- He is a chef of nonpareil talent.
American English
- The team's nonpareil performance secured the championship.
- She offered nonpareil advice on the matter.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Many critics consider him the nonpareil of modern jazz pianists.
- The old recipe produces a cake that is simply nonpareil.
- As a strategist, she was nonpareil, foreseeing consequences that eluded everyone else.
- The manuscript is a nonpareil example of 12th-century calligraphy, utterly without equal in any collection.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'NON-PAR-EIL' as 'has NO PAIR' or 'no equal' - its core meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPERIORITY IS UNIQUENESS / BEING BEYOND COMPARISON.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'непревзойдённый' (unbeaten) which is more active; 'nonpareil' is a state of being the best. Avoid literal translations implying 'no parallel'. It's a formal compliment.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing as 'non-par-ell'. Using it to mean 'different' rather than 'superior'. Overusing in informal contexts where 'the best' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a correct usage of 'nonpareil'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both, but it is most commonly used as a noun (e.g., 'He is a nonpareil'). As an adjective (e.g., 'nonpareil skill'), it is less frequent but correct.
No, it is a high-level (C2), formal, and literary word. It is rare in everyday conversation but can be found in descriptive writing and formal praise.
It comes from the Old French 'nonpareil', meaning 'not equal', from 'non-' (not) + 'pareil' (equal).
In American English, 'nonpareils' commonly refers to small, round chocolate discs covered with tiny white sugar balls (sprinkles).