Excess vs Excessive: Difference and Comparison

Excess” refers to an amount that surpasses what is necessary or usual, often implying an abundance or surplus. For instance, “The excess of food at the banquet was evident as leftovers filled the tables.”

“Excessive,” on the other hand, describes something that goes beyond acceptable or reasonable limits, often suggesting immoderation or extravagance. For example, “Her excessive spending habits led to financial troubles.”

Key Takeaways

1. Excess is a noun or adjective that denotes an amount more than necessary, required, or desired; excessive is an adjective that describes something as being too much or beyond an acceptable limit.
2. Excess refers to a surplus or overabundance of something; excessive suggests that something goes beyond what is reasonable or appropriate.
3. Both excess and excessive indicate an abundance or too much of something, but excess identifies the surplus itself, while excessive characterizes the nature or degree of the abundance.

Excess vs Excessive

Excess implies an amount that is more than necessary, surplus, or more than what is needed. Excessive refers to an action or situation going beyond what is fair, reasonable, or expected, to an extent considered unacceptable or inappropriate.

These two words are very demented homonyms because people get confused about the word to use in a particular situation and why. The following four examples will help people understand and recognise their differences.

EXAMPLE: –

1. We have an excess of sporting talent in our school.
2. Excessive detail is a cause of a lack of unity.
3. They both eat to excess.
4. The current structure of education is excessively convoluted.

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Comparison Table

Feature	Excess	Excessive
Meaning	An amount that is more than what is needed or necessary	An amount that is much more than what is needed or necessary, often to a point of being harmful or inappropriate
Degree	Implies a surplus or remainder, but doesn’t necessarily signify negativity	Implies a significant, unnecessary, and often negative amount
Emphasis	On the quantity that is beyond what is needed	On the unsuitability or negativity of the amount
Examples	“There was an excess of supplies after the party.” (Neutral)	“He used an excessive amount of force, causing injuries.” (Negative)
	“The company reported excess inventory this quarter.” (Neutral)	“Her excessive spending led to financial difficulties.” (Negative

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What is Excess?

Definition:

Excess refers to the state of having more than what is required or deemed appropriate in a particular context. It is commonly associated with an abundance or surplus beyond what is necessary or usual.

Characteristics of Excess:

1. Abundance: Excess is marked by an abundance or surplus of something, whether it be material possessions, resources, or quantities of a substance. This surplus often surpasses the actual need or demand, resulting in an imbalance or overflow.

2. Unnecessary Accumulation: In many cases, excess involves the unnecessary accumulation of goods or resources beyond what is needed for practical purposes. This accumulation can lead to inefficiency, wastage, or clutter, as resources are not utilized effectively or efficiently.

3. Variability Across Contexts: The concept of excess can vary greatly depending on the specific context or situation. What may be considered excess in one scenario might be deemed essential or insufficient in another. This variability underscores the importance of considering the relative nature of excess and its implications within different contexts.

4. Potential Consequences: Excess can have various consequences, both positive and negative. While an excess of resources or wealth may provide opportunities for growth and prosperity, it can also lead to issues such as environmental degradation, inequality, or financial instability. Managing excess effectively is crucial to mitigating these potential negative outcomes.

 

What is Excessive?

Definition:

Excessive pertains to the quality of surpassing acceptable or reasonable limits in a particular context. It denotes an extreme or immoderate amount or degree of something, often leading to negative consequences or implications.

Characteristics of Excessive:

1. Immoderation: Excessive behavior or quantities are characterized by a lack of moderation or restraint. This may involve indulgence in activities, consumption of substances, or spending beyond what is considered normal or appropriate, leading to imbalances or disruptions in various aspects of life.

2. Beyond Acceptable Limits: Excessive amounts or actions surpass acceptable or reasonable limits defined by societal norms, regulations, or personal standards. This can include excessive noise levels, excessive workloads, or excessive demands on resources, resulting in discomfort, stress, or adverse effects on individuals or communities.

3. Negative Impact: Excessive behaviors or conditions often result in negative consequences or adverse effects on individuals, organizations, or the environment. These may include health problems, financial difficulties, strained relationships, or environmental degradation. The disproportionate nature of excessiveness amplifies its detrimental impact on well-being and sustainability.

4. Potential Causes and Remedies: Excessive behavior or quantities can stem from various factors such as societal pressures, psychological factors, or lack of awareness. Addressing excessive tendencies may involve implementing strategies for self-regulation, setting boundaries, seeking support from others, or implementing policies and interventions at the societal level to promote moderation and balance.

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Main Differences Between Excess and Excessive

1. Here are the main differences between “excess” and “excessive” in a bullet-point list:
2. Nature:
   • Excess refers to an amount or quantity that surpasses what is necessary or usual.
   • Excessive describes something that goes beyond acceptable or reasonable limits.
3. Noun vs. Adjective:
   • Excess is typically used as a noun, referring to the state of having too much of something.
   • Excessive is an adjective, used to describe something as being overly abundant or extreme.
4. Immediacy:
   • Excess focuses on the surplus or abundance itself, emphasizing the presence of extra quantities.
   • Excessive highlights the quality of going beyond acceptable limits, emphasizing the extreme nature of something.
5. Contextual Usage:
   • Excess is often used in contexts discussing surplus, abundance, or overflow, such as “excess inventory” or “excess baggage.”
   • Excessive is commonly employed to describe behaviors, actions, or conditions that exceed acceptable limits, such as “excessive noise” or “excessive spending.”
6. Connotations:
   • Excess may imply a state of having more than necessary but does not inherently carry negative connotations.
   • Excessive typically implies a negative judgment, suggesting behavior or quantities that are immoderate, extravagant, or harmful.

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References

1. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/excessive
2. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/excess

Last Updated : 07 March, 2024