Excess vs. Excessive

Attribute	Excess	Excessive
Definition	More than what is necessary or desired	Going beyond what is normal or acceptable
Usage	Can be used as a noun or adjective	Primarily used as an adjective
Intensity	Can vary in degree	Usually implies a high degree
Negative Connotation	Often seen as undesirable	Generally has a negative connotation

Definition

Excess and excessive are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings. Excess is a noun that refers to an amount that is more than necessary, while excessive is an adjective that describes something that is too much or more than is considered normal or reasonable.

Usage

Excess is typically used to refer to a surplus or an abundance of something. For example, you might say that someone has an excess of energy or an excess of food. Excessive, on the other hand, is used to describe something that is overly abundant or beyond what is considered appropriate. You might say that someone has an excessive amount of debt or an excessive amount of clutter in their home.

Connotation

While excess can sometimes have a negative connotation, it is often used in a more neutral or even positive way. For example, having an excess of food at a party might be seen as a good thing, as it ensures that all guests are well-fed. Excessive, on the other hand, almost always has a negative connotation. It implies that something is too much or beyond what is acceptable or appropriate.

Examples

Here are a few examples to illustrate the difference between excess and excessive:

• Excess: The company had an excess of inventory after the busy holiday season.
• Excessive: The employee's excessive use of social media during work hours led to their termination.

Impact

Excess and excessive can have different impacts depending on the context in which they are used. Excess can sometimes be beneficial, such as having an excess of savings or an excess of time to complete a project. Excessive, on the other hand, is almost always detrimental. It can lead to negative consequences, such as excessive spending or excessive drinking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while excess and excessive are similar in meaning, they have subtle differences that can affect how they are used and understood. Excess typically refers to an abundance or surplus of something, while excessive describes something that is beyond what is considered normal or reasonable. Understanding these differences can help you use these words more effectively in your writing and communication.