Excessive Meaning
Excessive Definition & Usage
Excessive refers to something that goes beyond what is normal, reasonable, or necessary, often to an undesirable or harmful extent.
Examples
- "The excessive use of plastic has led to widespread environmental damage."
- "He was criticized for his excessive spending on luxury items."
- "The movie's excessive violence made it unsuitable for children."
- "Her excessive enthusiasm made everyone uncomfortable at the meeting."
- "There was an excessive amount of food at the party, much of it went to waste."
Cultural Context
The word 'excessive' comes from the Latin 'excedere', meaning to go beyond or surpass. It has been in use since the 16th century, often describing things that go beyond what is necessary or healthy, such as excessive eating, drinking, or spending. In modern society, the term is widely used in discussions of environmental issues, health, and consumerism.
The Excessive Feast
Story
The Excessive Feast
It was the night of the grand feast, a celebration that had been planned for weeks. The hosts, the Johnsons, were notorious for their love of extravagance, and this event would be no exception. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a towering buffet table, piled high with every delicacy imaginable. There were lobster tails, oysters, and cakes so large they could barely be lifted. The Johnsons, ever the gracious hosts, insisted that everyone eat 'as much as they could handle'. Mary, a relatively moderate eater, soon found herself overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of food. 'This is excessive!' she whispered to her friend, Amy, as she glanced at the piles of uneaten hors d'oeuvres stacked high on the tables. Amy laughed. 'I guess that's the point, isn't it? It's all about indulgence. But I can't even look at another plate.' As the night wore on, some guests began to exhibit signs of discomfort. The excessive amount of food had left many bloated, while others had eaten so much they could barely move. 'I think I've overdone it,' said John, clutching his stomach. His eyes had glazed over as he surveyed the room. 'We should have stuck with a more reasonable menu.' In the middle of the room, the Johnsons were still going strong, urging guests to eat more. 'Come on, there's still so much! Why stop now?' they said, their voices brimming with excessive enthusiasm. But by then, the guests were too full to continue. The party, much like the feast itself, had passed its peak, leaving behind a trail of half-finished plates and uneaten desserts. Mary smiled ruefully as she left. 'Next time, I think I'll pass on the excessive portions. Moderation is definitely the way to go.'
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