Term: excessively
excessively (adverb): to a greater degree or in greater amounts than is necessary, normal, or desirable. It implies that a limit has been crossed.
synonyms: exceedingly, immoderately, disproportionately, overly, inordinately.
pronunciation: /ɪkˈsesɪvli/
translation: pārmērīgi, pārlieku or pārlieki
example: The manager was criticized for being excessively harsh when pointing out minor mistakes to his staff.
Nuance: “Very” vs. “Excessively”
While “very” simply increases the intensity, excessively almost always carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the amount is “too much” and causing a problem.
Common Collocations
- Excessively high/low: Used often with prices, temperatures, or speeds.
- Drink excessively: A formal or medical way to describe consuming too much alcohol.
- Excessively long: Describing a speech, a line, or a waiting period that feels unreasonable.
Comparison Table
| Word | Tone | Implication |
| Very | Neutral | High intensity. |
| Extremely | Strong | Highest intensity. |
| Excessively | Critical | More than is healthy or allowed. |
Related Terms
- Exorbitant: Used specifically for prices or fees that are excessively high.
- Redundant: Something that is excessive because it is no longer needed or is a duplicate.
would you like me to explain the word “superfluous” (extra and unnecessary) or perhaps the term “moderation” (the opposite of excess)?
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
excessively (adverb)beyond a normal or acceptable limit
SYNONYMS:
devilishly, excessively, exorbitantly, inordinately, intolerably, monstrously, overly, overmuch, unacceptably, undulyRELATED WORDS:
extravagantly, immoderately, intemperately; extortionately, inexcusably, obscenely, unbearably, unconscionably, unreasonably; improperly, inappropriately; abnormally, extraordinarily, freakishly, singularly, uncommonly, uncustomarily, unusually; astronomically, considerably, deadly, eminently, especially, exceedingly ( exceeding), exceptionally, extensively, extra, extremely, greatly, highly, hugely, incredibly, mightily, remarkably, significantly, substantially, super, terribly, very, whackingNEAR ANTONYMS:
acceptably, moderately, modestly, reasonably, temperately; barely, hardly, just, marginally, meagerly, minimally, scantily, scarcely, slightly