Excessive Meaning and Definition

Excessive

Excessive

Pronunciation

/ɪɡzˈɛsɪv/

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Going beyond the normal or expected amount; exceeding a standard or limit.

Examples

  • The company’s lavish spending is considered excessive.
  • Her elaborate wedding dress was excessive given the simple ceremony.

Synonyms

  • Extravagant
  • Immoderate
  • Superfluous

Antonyms

  • Moderate
  • Rational
  • Proportional

Etymology

The word “excessive” comes from the Latin “excessus,” meaning “exceeding” or “going beyond.”

Usage Notes

Use “excessive” to describe something that is beyond what is reasonable, necessary, or normal.

Cultural References

In popular culture, the concept of “excessive” is often used to describe luxurious or decadent lifestyles, as seen in films like “The Great Gatsby” and “Scarface.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

  • “An excessive amount”
  • “Excessive force”

Related Words or Phrases

  • Excess
  • Profuse
  • Liberal

Collocations

  • “Excessive use”
  • “Excessive spending”

Frequency of Use

The word “excessive” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in discussions about personal finance, consumerism, and environmental sustainability.

Common Misspellings

  • Exessive
  • Exscessive

Related Words