par excellence vs say

par excellence

adv
  • In a superior way, in the most representative or fully-developed manner. 

  • Because or on account of one's excellence. 

  • Most especially, in particular, most notably (out of a thing or person's other attributes, roles, etc.). 

adj
  • Being the proper or truest example of a general name. 

  • Being a quintessential example of a general type. 

say

adv
  • For example; let us assume. 

  • Pick a color you think they'd like, say, peach. 

noun
  • Tried quality; temper; proof. 

  • A chance to speak; the right or power to influence or make a decision. 

  • Essay; trial; attempt. 

  • Trial by sample; assay; specimen. 

  • A strainer for milk. 

intj
  • Used to gain someone's attention before making an inquiry or suggestion 

verb
  • Suppose, assume; used to mark an example, supposition or hypothesis. 

  • To tell, either verbally or in writing. 

  • To indicate in a written form. 

  • To have a common expression; used in singular passive voice or plural active voice to indicate a rumor or well-known fact. 

  • To recite. 

  • To pronounce. 

  • To try; to assay. 

  • To bet as a wager on an outcome; by extension, used to express belief in an outcome by the speaker. 

  • To speak; to express an opinion; to make answer; to reply. 

How often have the words par excellence and say occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )