adj.
Pronunciation: ik- ' se-siv
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
: exceeding what is usual, proper, necessary, or normal
– ex · ces · sive · ly adverb
– ex · ces · sive · ness noun
synonyms EXCESSIVE , IMMODERATE , INORDINATE , EXTRAVAGANT , EXORBITANT , EXTREME mean going beyond a normal limit. EXCESSIVE implies an amount or degree too great to be reasonable or acceptable < excessive punishment>. IMMODERATE implies lack of desirable or necessary restraint < immoderate spending>. INORDINATE implies an exceeding of the limits dictated by reason or good judgment < inordinate pride>. EXTRAVAGANT implies an indifference to restraints imposed by truth, prudence, or good taste < extravagant claims for the product>. EXORBITANT implies a departure from accepted standards regarding amount or degree < exorbitant prices>. EXTREME may imply an approach to the farthest limit possible or conceivable but commonly means only to a notably high degree < extreme shyness>.