Excess
/ɪkˈses/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn amount of something that is more than needed or wanted.
/ɪkˈses/
An amount of something that is more than necessary, permitted, or desirable.
The store had an excess of unsold merchandise.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making cookies and you put too much chocolate in the dough. That extra chocolate? That's an excess – more than what you needed!
👶 For kids: Too much of something; more than you need.
More Examples
Eating in excess can lead to health problems.
There was an excess of food at the party, and much of it went to waste.
How It's Used
"The company had an excess of inventory at the end of the quarter."
"Regular exercise prevents an excess of body fat."
"She had an excess of luggage for a short trip."
Being more than what is required or acceptable.
/ɪkˈses/
Exceeding the usual, proper, or necessary amount.
He worried about the excess spending on luxury items.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend ate way too much candy. You could say they had excess candy consumption.
👶 For kids: When you have more of something than you need.
More Examples
The doctor warned against excess alcohol consumption.
Excess heat can damage electronic equipment.
How It's Used
"Excess indulgence in pleasure led to his downfall."
"The court ruled against an excess amount of damages."
Idioms & expressions
in excess of
More than a particular amount or quantity.
"The damage was estimated to be in excess of $10,000."
From Middle English *exces*, from Old French *excez* (13th century), from Latin *excessus* ('a going beyond, transgression'), past participle of *excedere* ('to go beyond').
The word 'excess' has been used since the 13th century, originally referring to 'a going beyond' or 'transgression,' evolving to its modern meaning of 'surplus' or 'too much.'
Memory tip
Think of it as too much of something.