Excess: meaning, definitions and examples

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excess

 

[ɪkˈsɛs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in quantity

An amount of something that is more than necessary, permitted, or desirable.

Synonyms

extra, overabundance, surplus.

Examples of usage

  • The excess of food was donated to the homeless shelter.
  • She was charged a fee for excess baggage at the airport.
  • The excess of rain caused flooding in the area.
Context #2 | Adjective

being too much

Surpassing what is normal, necessary, or desirable; immoderate.

Synonyms

extra, overabundant, superfluous.

Examples of usage

  • She had an excess amount of clothes in her wardrobe.
  • The excess weight on the bridge caused it to collapse.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'excessus,' meaning 'to go out,' which reflects the idea of going beyond limits.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, primarily to describe the surplus of wealth or resources.
  • Originally, it referred to any type of overflow, from physical objects to behaviors.

Psychology

  • Studies show that excess in food can lead to health issues, such as obesity and diabetes, highlighting the importance of moderation.
  • The phenomenon of 'hedonic adaptation' explains why excess pleasure from material things can lead to quicker boredom.
  • Researchers suggest that societal pressure to accumulate excess possessions can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction.

Economics

  • In economics, excess supply refers to a situation where the quantity of a good supplied exceeds the demand, often leading to price decreases.
  • Excess consumption can lead to resource depletion, prompting discussions on sustainability and responsible usage.
  • Economic theories often critique excess as a driver of inequality, where a small percent holds the majority of resources.

Literature

  • In classic literature, excess often leads to downfall, as seen in characters driven by greed or lust, illustrating moral lessons.
  • The idea of excess is a common theme in Renaissance art, showing both lavishness and the consequences of overindulgence.
  • Modern novels frequently explore the contrast between excess and simplicity, questioning the nature of happiness.

Health

  • Too much of any nutrient can become harmful; for instance, excess vitamin consumption can lead to toxicity.
  • The health industry emphasizes balanced diets, promoting the concept that excess food intake leads to metabolic issues.
  • Mental health professionals warn against the excess of digital consumption, suggesting that it can cause anxiety and disrupt real-life connections.

Translations

Translations of the word "excess" in other languages:

🇵🇹 excesso

🇮🇳 अधिकता

🇩🇪 Überschuss

🇮🇩 kelebihan

🇺🇦 надлишок

🇵🇱 nadmiar

🇯🇵 過剰 (kajō)

🇫🇷 excès

🇪🇸 exceso

🇹🇷 fazlalık

🇰🇷 초과 (chogwa)

🇸🇦 زيادة

🇨🇿 přebytek

🇸🇰 prebytok

🇨🇳 过量 (guòliàng)

🇸🇮 presežek

🇮🇸 umframagn

🇰🇿 артық

🇬🇪 ზედმეტი

🇦🇿 artıqlıq

🇲🇽 exceso

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,489, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.