Excess Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈɛksɛs/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A thing or person that surpasses others in quantity, degree, or extent; an amount that exceeds the need or normal capacity.

Examples

The company had an excess of funds after the merger, which they used to expand their operations.
She ate too much for lunch and had an excess of food at dinner.

Synonyms

Surplus
Overabundance
Accumulation

Antonyms

Deficiency
Scarcity
Lack

Etymology

The word ‘excess’ comes from the Latin word ‘excessus’, meaning “a going beyond” or “surpassing”. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe something that is more than what is needed or required.

Additional Information

Excess is often used to describe a situation where there is more of something than necessary or required. This can include physical excess, such as having too much food or material possessions, as well as emotional or psychological excess, such as feeling overwhelmed by stress or anxiety. In economics, excess can refer to a surplus of goods or services that is not in line with demand.

Excess can also have negative connotations, implying waste or extravagance. For example, a person who spends too much money on luxury items may be seen as having an excess of wealth. In this sense, excess can be seen as a problem that needs to be addressed.

However, excess can also be seen as a positive force, driving innovation and progress. For example, a company that has an excess of resources may be able to invest in new technologies or hire more employees, leading to growth and expansion.

Usage Notes

The word ‘excess’ is often used in formal and informal contexts to describe a situation where there is more of something than necessary or required. It can be used in a variety of fields, including economics, business, and psychology.

When using the word ‘excess’, it’s essential to consider the context and the connotation it carries. If referring to a surplus of goods or services, ‘excess’ can be a neutral or even positive term. However, if describing a situation where there is waste or extravagance, ‘excess’ can have negative connotations.

Cultural References

The concept of excess has been explored in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, the novel ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the theme of excess in the wealthy elite of the 1920s.

In film, the movie ‘Wall Street’ (1987) features a character who embodies the concept of excess, using his wealth and power to indulge in lavish lifestyles.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

‘Excess baggage’ – referring to unnecessary or unwanted items.
‘Excess of caution’ – referring to being overly cautious or cautious to a fault.
‘Excess of enthusiasm’ – referring to being overly enthusiastic or excited.

Related Words or Phrases

Surplus
Overabundance
Accumulation
Deficiency
Scarcity
Lack

Collocations

Excess funds – referring to a surplus of money.
Excess food – referring to too much food.
Excess mortality – referring to a higher than expected number of deaths.

Frequency of Use

The word ‘excess’ is commonly used in formal and informal contexts to describe a situation where there is more of something than necessary or required. According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word ‘excess’ appears in approximately 0.5% of all texts, indicating its moderate level of usage.

Common Misspellings

Excis
Exscess
Exis