Definitions
- Describing something that is unnecessary or redundant. - Referring to something that is extra or surplus to requirements. - Talking about something that is excessive or overabundant.
- Describing something that is too much or more than necessary. - Referring to something that is extreme or beyond reasonable limits. - Talking about something that is overdone or exaggerated.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is more than what is needed or appropriate.
- 2Both words have a negative connotation.
- 3Both words can be used to criticize or express disapproval.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Superfluous refers to something that is unnecessary or redundant, while excessive refers to something that is too much or beyond reasonable limits.
- 2Intensity: Excessive implies a stronger degree of excessiveness than superfluous.
- 3Usage: Superfluous is often used to describe unnecessary details or words, while excessive can refer to a wide range of things, such as prices, amounts, or behaviors.
- 4Context: Superfluous is more commonly used in written language, while excessive is more commonly used in spoken language.
- 5Connotation: Superfluous has a more neutral connotation than excessive, which can imply a lack of control or judgment.
Remember this!
Superfluous and excessive are synonyms that describe something that is more than what is needed or appropriate. However, superfluous refers to something that is unnecessary or redundant, while excessive refers to something that is too much or beyond reasonable limits. Superfluous is often used to describe unnecessary details or words, while excessive can refer to a wide range of things, such as prices, amounts, or behaviors.
