Excessive

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪkˈsɛsɪv/

Definitions

• Adjective: More than is necessary, normal, or desirable; immoderate.
• Adjective: Exceeding a limit or standard.

Usage Examples

• "The excessive noise from the construction site disturbed the entire neighborhood."
• "She spent an excessive amount of money on shopping during the holiday sale."
• "His excessive behavior in meetings made it hard for the team to stay focused."

Etymology

The word "excessive" comes from the Latin word "excessus," meaning 'a going beyond' or 'exceeding.' It evolved through Middle French and Old French before reaching English in the late 14th century. The prefix "ex-" means 'out of' or 'beyond,' and "cessive" comes from the Latin "cedere," meaning 'to go' or 'to yield,' referring to something that goes beyond the acceptable or usual limits.

Synonyms

• Exorbitant
• Immoderate
• Overabundant
• Excess
• Surplus
• Unreasonable
• Inordinate

Antonyms

• Moderate
• Balanced
• Reasonable
• Limited
• Minimal
• Conservative

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English: /ɪkˈsɛsɪv/
• In British English: /ɪkˈsɛsɪv/
• In Australian English: /ɪkˈsɛsɪv/

Historical Usage

The word "excessive" has been in use since the 14th century, evolving from the Latin word "excessus," meaning 'going beyond' or 'surpassing.' Historically, it was used in legal and economic contexts to describe amounts that exceeded what was considered fair or reasonable, such as excessive taxes or excessive profits. Over time, the word broadened to describe any kind of surplus or overabundance, whether in terms of physical quantity, behavior, or resources.

Cultural Nuances

The idea of something being "excessive" can vary greatly depending on cultural context. In some societies, excess is seen as a negative trait, associated with greed or wastefulness. In others, excess may be celebrated, particularly in terms of wealth or achievement. For example, in consumer-driven cultures, excess may be synonymous with success, while in more conservative societies, it may be viewed with disdain as a sign of moral decline.

More Information

The term "excessive" is used broadly in both everyday language and more specialized fields such as law, economics, and health. In economics, "excessive" is often applied to describe inflationary pressures, government spending, or corporate profits that are considered to be out of balance with the public good. In health, it may refer to habits or substances that are harmful in large quantities, such as excessive drinking or overeating. The word highlights the importance of moderation in human life and systems.