Too: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜ฌ
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too

 

[tuห ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in excess or beyond the limit

To a higher degree than is desirable, permissible, or possible; excessively.

Synonyms

excessively, overly, unduly, unreasonably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
too

Used in a general sense to indicate more than necessary. Commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • The soup is too hot to eat right now
  • She is working too hard and needs a break
excessively

Used to describe something done or felt to an extreme degree. Often used in more formal or academic contexts.

  • He was sweating excessively during the workout
  • Using your phone excessively can harm your eyes
overly

Similar to 'too', but often implies a critical tone. Usually used to express disapproval or caution.

  • She was overly enthusiastic about the project, which annoyed some colleagues
  • The movie was overly long and quite boring
unduly

Used in formal writing or speech to indicate an unnecessary or unreasonable degree. Often implies criticism.

  • The report unduly criticizes the companyโ€™s management
  • He was unduly worried about the exam results
unreasonably

Implies that something is not fair or is disproportionate. Often used in a negative or critical context.

  • She was unreasonably demanding during the meeting
  • He reacted unreasonably to the small mistake

Examples of usage

  • He was driving too fast.
  • You are putting too much sugar in your tea.
Context #2 | Adverb

more than enough

To a higher degree than is necessary or wanted; excessively.

Synonyms

excessively, superfluously, unnecessarily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
too

Use 'too' when you want to indicate that something is more than what is needed or wanted.

  • This cake is too sweet
  • She is too young to drive
excessively

Use 'excessively' when you want to emphasize that something is much more than necessary, often with a negative connotation.

  • He exercises excessively
  • The movie was excessively long
unnecessarily

Use 'unnecessarily' when you want to say that something is done without need, often leading to unwanted results.

  • He unnecessarily complicated the problem
  • She worked unnecessarily long hours
superfluously

Use 'superfluously' when describing something that is beyond what is needed, often implying it's unnecessary or redundant.

  • The meeting was filled with superfluously detailed explanations
  • She decorated the room superfluously

Examples of usage

  • There is too much food on the table.
  • We have been waiting for too long.
Context #3 | Adverb

also

In addition; as well; besides.

Synonyms

also, as well, likewise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
too

Use for adding information that raises the same level of importance or urgency. Typically used in more informal contexts and often comes at the end of a sentence.

  • I want to go to the concert too.
  • She was there too.
also

Used for adding additional information connected to the primary statement. Often placed mid-sentence in more formal or written English.

  • She speaks French and also Spanish.
  • I have to finish my homework and also clean the house.
as well

Formal or informal way to add similar information, frequently used at the end of a sentence, similar to 'too'.

  • Can I come as well?
  • I enjoy reading as well.
likewise

Typically used to indicate that something applies equally to another. Often formal and used at the start of a sentence or in a separate clause.

  • He was pleased with the results; likewise, she felt satisfied.
  • She didnโ€™t want dessert; likewise, I wasn't interested.

Examples of usage

  • I want to go too.
  • He is coming too.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 'Too' comes from the Old English word 'to,' which meant 'in excess' or 'also.'
  • It has been used in the English language for over a thousand years, showing its long history.
  • Originally, 'too' was often used in poetic contexts to express excess in quality or quantity.

Grammar

  • In sentences, 'too' functions as an adverb and can modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
  • 'Too' can often be confused with 'to' and 'two,' underscoring the importance of context in understanding meaning.
  • It can indicate agreement, as in, 'I like ice cream too!' which shows similarity in preferences.

Cultural Usage

  • In popular phrases, '~too much' often conveys a sense of excess, like 'I ate too much cake!'
  • Social media has popularized the phrase 'too cool for school,' which describes someone who is exceptionally stylish or trendy.
  • Lyrics in songs often use 'too' to emphasize emotion, such as being 'too in love' or 'too sad.'

Translations

Translations of the word "too" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น demais

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคนเฅเคค เคœเคผเฅเคฏเคพเคฆเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช zu

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ terlalu

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฐะฝะฐะดั‚ะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zbyt

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ใพใ‚Šใซใ‚‚

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท trop

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ demasiado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รงok

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋„ˆ๋ฌด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌุฏุงู‹

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pล™รญliลก

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ prรญliลก

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅคช

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ preveฤ

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ of

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ั‹ะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒซแƒแƒšแƒ˜แƒแƒœ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รงox

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ demasiado

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #134, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.