above par

IPA/əbˌʌv pˈɑː/
IPA/əbˌʌv pˈɑːɹ/

above par — idiom

1. at a higher level than what is usual or expected, especially when talking about

1.idiomB2
Definition

at a higher level than what is usual or expected, especially when talking about the quality of someone's work, performance, or service.

Example

After months of extra training, Wei's test scores were above par for the first time.

above par with 'for the first time'

The restaurant's food was above par, so the owner decided to raise the prices.

be + above par with a consequence clause

Common collocations
  • be above par
  • seem above par
  • feel above par
  • above-par performance
  • above-par results
Synonyms
  • better than average

    more general and less idiomatic; used in a wider range of contexts

  • outstanding

    stronger degree — implies excellence, not just above normal

  • above the norm

    more formal, common in academic or statistical writing

Antonyms
  • below par

    the direct opposite, also from golf; means worse than usual

Grammar Patterns

be + above par

seem + above par

Usage Note

Frequently used after linking verbs such as 'be', 'seem', or 'feel' to describe performance or quality. The opposite expression is 'below par'.

Common Mistakes

His grades are above the par.
His grades are above par.
The phrase does not include the definite article 'the' before 'par'.
The weather today is above par.
The weather today is lovely.
'Above par' typically describes performance, quality, or standards, not general approval of things like weather.

Synonym discussion

Sense: idiom/1

All four expressions describe something that surpasses a normal standard, but they differ in strength and register. 'Above par' (from golf) is a fixed idiom often used for performance or quality — it sounds a bit dated but is still readily understood. 'Better than average' is the most neutral and flexible: it works in any context from exam results to restaurant food. 'Outstanding' and 'exceptional' are stronger — they imply the performance is not just above normal but truly remarkable or rare. For example: 'Her sales figures were above par this quarter' suggests a solid improvement, while 'Her sales figures were outstanding' suggests she was the top performer in the company.

above par ↗better than averageoutstanding ↗exceptional ↗

Etymology

English (golf)English (general)

This expression comes from the sport of golf, where 'par' is the standard number of strokes a skilled player is expected to take for a hole. Scoring 'above par' means finishing a hole in fewer strokes than that standard — a better result. The phrase moved into general English during the 19th century to describe anything surpassing the usual or expected standard.