Word
excessively
Phoneticsex·ces·sive·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪkˈsɛsɪvɫi/
UK/ɛksˈɛsɪvli/
Adverb of degree
Definition
adv. in a way that is much more than is necessary, normal, or reasonable.
adv. to an extreme or disproportionate degree; exceeding the limits of what is considered appropriate or healthy.
Examples
“He drinks coffee excessively throughout the day.”
“The manager was criticized for being excessively harsh when giving feedback to new employees.”
“While some regulation is necessary for market stability, critics argue that an excessively bureaucratic approach can stifle the very innovation it seeks to protect.”
Examples
simple
“He drinks coffee excessively throughout the day.”
contextual
“The manager was criticized for being excessively harsh when giving feedback to new employees.”
complex
“While some regulation is necessary for market stability, critics argue that an excessively bureaucratic approach can stifle the very innovation it seeks to protect.”
Pitfall
The room was excessively of heat.
The room was excessively hot.
Excessively is an adverb and should modify an adjective or a verb, not a noun phrase.
Real-World Examples
“An excessively fast drawdown often results in under-extraction, while an unusually slow drawdown may produce bitterness and muted flavors.” “To deal with her excessively large chest, Robert said she has had to import bras and guesses that the condition has cost her as much as £125,000 a year (C$233,800).” Etymology
From excessive + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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