outstanding / towering
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outstanding
Far above average; exceptionally good, excellent, or outstanding in performance or quality.
Die Mannschaft gewann das Finale dank einer überragenden Leistung ihres Torwarts.
The team won the final thanks to an outstanding performance by their goalkeeper.
'Überragend' (outstanding/towering) is the present participle of the verb 'überragen' (to tower above). This verb literally means 'to be higher than something else' or figuratively 'to be better'. This double meaning is also found in the adjective.
Der neue Wolkenkratzer überragt alle anderen Gebäude der Stadt.
The new skyscraper towers above all the other buildings in the city.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the noun. If 'überragend' (towering/outstanding) refers to physical objects such as mountains, towers, or people, size is meant. If it refers to abstract things such as performance, talent, or quality, excellence is meant.
Der überragende Baum im Garten ist über 100 Jahre alt.
The towering tree in the garden is over 100 years old.
In its figurative meaning, 'überragend' (outstanding) is often combined with nouns that describe a quality or achievement. Typical examples are: 'eine überragende Leistung' (an outstanding performance), 'ein überragendes Talent' (an outstanding talent), or 'von überragender Bedeutung sein' (to be of outstanding importance).
Die wissenschaftliche Entdeckung war von überragender Bedeutung für die Medizin.
The scientific discovery was of outstanding importance for medicine.
high
'hoch' and 'überragend' can both express that something is above a normal measure. 'hoch' is neutral and very general: a house can be 'hoch', but so can a price or a level. 'überragend' is stronger. It means either that something is clearly higher than its surroundings, or that a performance is exceptionally good. For normal measurements, you usually use 'hoch'. When you want to emphasize special size or special quality, 'überragend' fits better.
Die Torhüterin hat im Finale überragend gespielt.
The goalkeeper played outstandingly in the final.
Die Miete in dieser Stadt ist sehr hoch.
The rent in this city is very high.