Definitions
- Referring to an amount that is more than necessary or desirable. - Talking about something that is beyond what is considered normal or acceptable. - Describing a situation where there is too much of something, leading to waste or negative consequences.
- Referring to an amount that is more than needed or required. - Talking about something that is left over after all necessary expenses have been paid. - Describing a situation where there is an abundance of something, leading to potential benefits or opportunities.
List of Similarities
- 1Both refer to an amount that is more than necessary or required.
- 2Both can be used to describe a situation where there is an abundance of something.
- 3Both can be used in financial contexts to describe a positive balance or profit.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Excess is often used to describe something negative or undesirable, while surplus is often used to describe something positive or beneficial.
- 2Connotation: Excess has a negative connotation, suggesting waste or overindulgence, while surplus has a neutral or positive connotation, suggesting abundance or opportunity.
- 3Scope: Excess can refer to any situation where there is too much of something, while surplus is often used in financial or economic contexts.
- 4Formality: Surplus is generally more formal than excess, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
Remember this!
Excess and surplus are synonyms that both refer to an amount that is more than necessary or required. However, excess is often used to describe something negative or undesirable, such as waste or overindulgence, while surplus is often used to describe something positive or beneficial, such as abundance or opportunity. Additionally, surplus is more formal and often used in financial or economic contexts.