exceeding
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.going beyond a set limit, number, or amount.
v.the present participle of 'exceed', describing the act of surpassing a specific threshold, quantity, or expectation.
Simple“The driver was stopped for exceeding the speed limit on the highway.”
In context“The company reported quarterly earnings exceeding even the most optimistic forecasts, leading to a sharp rise in share price.”
UsageOften used in formal reports or legal contexts regarding limits.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.the act or state of being more than what is allowed or expected.
n.the condition of being in excess or the act of surpassing a boundary.
Simple“Any exceeding of the budget must be approved by the manager.”
In context“The environmental agency monitors any exceeding of the permitted carbon emission levels by local factories.”
UsageUsually functions as a gerund acting as a noun phrase subject or object.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
adj.very great or unusual in size or quality.
adj.exceptional, extraordinary, or prodigious in degree or extent.
Simple“The traveler spoke of the exceeding beauty of the hidden valley.”
In context“He possessed an exceeding grace that charmed all who encountered him in the royal court.”
Teacher's tipThis adjectival use is rare in modern speech; students will mostly encounter it in 19th-century literature or religious texts.
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
adv.to a very high degree; very.
adv.used as an intensifier meaning 'exceedingly' or 'extremely'.
Simple“The king was exceeding glad to hear the news of the victory.”
In context“The task proved exceeding difficult for the young knight, testing his resolve to the absolute limit.”
Teacher's tipModern English speakers almost exclusively use 'exceedingly' instead of 'exceeding' for this adverbial function.
Synonyms
“Back in 2016, the air-quality monitor in the playground showed that levels of nitrogen dioxide in the air were exceeding legal limits.”
“Waits at baggage claim counters are exceeding five hours to locate suitcases, in the best-case scenario.”
From exceed + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.