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exceed

v.
US //ɪkˈsid// UK //ɛksˈiːd// ex·ceed
  1. 1 to be greater than a number (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    to be more than a specific amount, number, or size.

    to be greater than a specified number, amount, or degree. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Example

    The final cost of the house must not exceed our budget of three hundred thousand dollars.

    Example

    The annual rate of inflation is expected to exceed the central bank's target, prompting concerns about future interest rate hikes.

    Usage

    Commonly used with numerical values, percentages, and financial limits.
    • fall short of
  2. 2 to go beyond a limit (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to go past an official limit or a rule.

    to go beyond a set limit, boundary, or legal restriction.

    Example

    He was pulled over by the police for exceeding the speed limit on the motorway.

    Example

    The executive was disciplined for exceeding her authority when she signed the contract without board approval.

    Usage

    Frequently collocates with 'limit', 'authority', 'powers', or 'expectations'.
    • overstep
    • transgress
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  1. 3 to be better than (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to be better than what was expected or planned.

    to surpass in quality, achievement, or excellence.

    Example

    The beauty of the island exceeded all our expectations.

    Example

    The young athlete's performance in the qualifying rounds exceeded even the most optimistic predictions of her coaching staff.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'exceed expectations'.
Origin

From Middle English exceden, from Old French exceder, from Latin excēdō (“to go beyond”), from ex- (“out, forth”) with cēdō (“to go”); see cede and compare accede etc. Partly displaced native Old English ofersteppan, whence Modern English overstep.

Word family

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