ace

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableinformalapproving

   A person who is extremely skilled at a particular activity.

   Grammar: Countable and often approving: an ace at chess; can also stand before a noun: an ace reporter.

   Patterns

   • an ace at something
   • an ace pilot
   • an ace with computers

   My uncle is an ace at fixing old radios.

   She is an ace photographer who covers big games.

2. 2nouncountable

   A playing card with one large symbol, often ranked as the highest or the lowest card.

   Grammar: Countable; in many games it can count high or low depending on the rules.

   Patterns

   • the ace of spades
   • play an ace
   • hold an ace

   He held the ace of hearts and won the trick.

   In this game the ace can count as one or eleven.

3. 3verbtransitiveinformal

   To perform extremely well in a test, interview, or difficult task.

   Grammar: Takes an object: ace the exam; informal and common in school and work contexts.

   Patterns

   • ace a test
   • ace an interview
   • ace the presentation

   I studied all week and aced the chemistry quiz.

   She aced her driving test on the first try.

Word forms

Common combinations

an ace at something

He is an ace at mental arithmetic.

ace a test

She aced every test that semester.

an ace pilot

The ace pilot was honored after the war.

the ace of spades

She played the ace of spades to win the hand.

an ace up your sleeve

He kept one more idea as an ace up his sleeve.

Synonyms and how they differ

expert

Expert is neutral and can be a noun or adjective; ace is informal praise for outstanding skill.

master

Master stresses long experience and complete control; ace often means brilliant at one activity.

whiz

Whiz is very informal, often for technical or quick skill; ace is broader and can be attributive.

Opposites

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “ace”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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