Meaning of excel

[kc tran]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #167 "Action verbs and sports expressions", question 3

Martina Navratilova ......... into one of the world's greatest tennis players.

(a) excelled
(b) played
(c) developed
(d) established

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #167 "Action verbs and sports expressions", answer 3

Martina Navratilova developed into one of the world's greatest tennis players.

Correct answer: (c) developed

Your answer was: incorrect
Martina Navratilova excelled into one of the world's greatest tennis players.
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what excelled mean please as i look in dictionary but still confuse

kc tran

[Mister Micawber]

excel = perform excellently
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's