Too Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.'

Origin of 'too'

Main points about word origin

  • '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.

The word 'too' originated from the Old English word 'tล' which means 'also, in addition'. Over time, it has evolved to be used in various contexts such as expressing excess, addition, or comparison. The adverb 'too' has become an essential part of the English language, used in everyday conversations to convey different meanings and nuances.


See also: to, tod, toot.

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.