Part of Speech

Adverb

Pronunciation

/ɪkˈsiːdɪŋli/

Definitions

• To an extreme degree; very.
• In a way that exceeds normal expectations.
• Used to emphasize the degree or intensity of something.

Usage Examples

• "She was exceedingly kind to everyone."
• "The food was exceedingly delicious."
• "He was exceedingly frustrated by the delay."

Etymology

The word "exceedingly" is derived from the verb "exceed," which comes from the Latin "excedere" meaning "to go out or surpass." The adverbial form "exceedingly" emerged in the 16th century to express a higher degree or extent of the action described by the verb "exceed."

Synonyms

• Extremely
• Excessively
• Unusually
• Inordinately
• Overly

Antonyms

• Barely
• Minimally
• Scarcely
• Slightly
• Modestly

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English: /ɪkˈsiːdɪŋli/
• In British English: /ɪkˈsiːdɪŋli/ (slightly more formal in tone)
• In Australian English: /ɪkˈsiːdɪŋli/ (similar to British and American but with a unique accent)

Historical Usage

The adverb "exceedingly" has been in use since the 16th century and was used to describe actions or qualities that went beyond the expected limits. Historically, it conveyed a sense of something being in extreme or extraordinary degree. It is frequently used in literature, both for emphasizing positive qualities (e.g., exceedingly brave, exceedingly talented) and for highlighting negative extremes (e.g., exceedingly harsh, exceedingly costly).

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, "exceedingly" carries a sense of both admiration and caution. In contexts where something is praised (e.g., exceedingly good, exceedingly beautiful), it expresses high esteem. However, when applied to something negative (e.g., exceedingly expensive, exceedingly excessive), it often suggests warning or disapproval. The use of "exceedingly" highlights the extremity of the subject being discussed, whether it's positive or negative.

More Information

The adverb "exceedingly" is used to modify adjectives and verbs, amplifying their meaning to indicate a greater intensity or degree. While it is often seen in formal or literary contexts, it is commonly used in both written and spoken English to stress the extent of an action or quality. It emphasizes how far something goes beyond normal expectations, often contributing to the vividness and intensity of descriptions in storytelling or argumentation.