Excessive: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜ณ
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excessive

 

[ษชkหˆsษ›sษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

amount or degree

Excessive means more than is necessary, normal, or desirable.

Synonyms

extreme, immoderate, over-the-top, unreasonable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
excessive

Used to describe something that goes beyond what is normal or necessary, especially in a negative sense. Suitable for formal and informal situations.

  • The company's use of excessive force was widely criticized.
  • She was fined for excessive speeding.
extreme

Refers to something very severe or intense, often at the highest or most significant level of intensity. Can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • The expedition faced extreme weather conditions.
  • He took extreme measures to ensure the project's success.
unreasonable

Used to describe something that does not make sense or is not fair or rational. Often carries a negative connotation.

  • It is unreasonable to expect the project to be completed in one day.
  • Her demands were entirely unreasonable.
over-the-top

Informal term to describe behavior, actions, or reactions that are more than what is expected or reasonable, often in a dramatic or exaggerated manner. Usually has a slightly negative or humorous connotation.

  • Her reaction to the surprise party was a bit over-the-top.
  • The movie's special effects were completely over-the-top.
immoderate

Typically used in formal contexts or writing to describe something excessive or lacking moderation. Often has a negative connotation.

  • His immoderate drinking habits were causing concern among his friends.
  • The immoderate use of resources is harmful to the environment.

Examples of usage

  • The excessive heat made it difficult to stay outside for long.
  • She was criticized for her excessive spending on luxury items.
  • He was fired for his excessive absenteeism from work.
Context #2 | Adjective

emotional

Excessive means going beyond the bounds of what is considered appropriate or normal in expressing one's feelings.

Synonyms

extreme, immoderate, intense, overboard.

Examples of usage

  • His excessive jealousy led to the end of their relationship.
  • She was known for her excessive displays of affection towards her pets.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'excessivus,' meaning 'surpassing' or 'going beyond.'
  • In Old French, 'excessif' was adopted into English, indicating something that overflows.
  • It entered English usage in the early 15th century, initially used in religious and moral contexts.

Psychology

  • Excessive behavior can often be a response to stress, where individuals seek more of something to cope.
  • Overindulgence can lead to addiction; when the brain gets too much pleasure, it can lose sensitivity and require more.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy often addresses excessive behaviors by focusing on creating balance and moderation.

Health

  • Eating excessive amounts of sugar can lead to health issues such as diabetes and heart disease.
  • Exercise is important, but excessive workouts without recovery can cause injuries and burnout.
  • Mental health experts warn against excessive screen time, which can lead to issues like anxiety and sleep problems.

Pop Culture

  • Popular films often explore themes of excess, showcasing characters who indulge in over-the-top lifestyles.
  • Reality shows like 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' highlight excessive wealth and its consequences in entertaining ways.
  • The phrase 'time is money' can be twisted in pop culture to critique excessive work habits that overshadow personal life.

Environmental Issues

  • Excessive consumerism is a key driver of environmental degradation, causing waste and pollution.
  • Efforts to combat excessive plastic use have led to global movements promoting recycling and sustainability.
  • In agriculture, excessive use of fertilizers can harm soil health and lead to runoff that pollutes waterways.

Translations

Translations of the word "excessive" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น excessivo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคคเฅเคฏเคงเคฟเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช รผbermรครŸig

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ berlebihan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝะฐะดะผั–ั€ะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nadmierny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้Žๅบฆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท excessif

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ excesivo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท aลŸฤฑrฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ณผ๋„ํ•œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูุฑุท

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nadmฤ›rnรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nadmernรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฟ‡ๅบฆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pretiran

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ of mikill

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะฐะผะฐะดะฐะฝ ั‚ั‹ั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ–แƒ”แƒ“แƒ›แƒ”แƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hษ™ddindษ™n artฤฑq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ excesivo

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,908, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.