What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Superlative vs Excessive - What's the difference?

superlative | excessive |

As a noun superlative

is .

As an adjective excessive is

exceeding the usual bounds of something; extravagant; immoderate.

superlative

English

(wikipedia superlative)

Noun

(en noun)
  • The highest extent or degree of something.
  • (label) The form of an adjective that expresses which of more than two items has the highest degree of the quality expressed by the adjective; in English, formed by appending "-est" to the end of the adjective (for some short adjectives only) or putting "most" before it.
  • (label) An adjective used to praise something exceptional.

    • Synonyms

    * (highest degree) acme, peak

    Related terms

    * superlative degree

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Exceptionally good; of the highest quality; superb.
  • (grammar) Of or relating to a superlative.

    • Usage notes

    Rather formal, reflecting its Latin etymology; more colloquial alternatives include exceptional, fabulous, above and beyond, and others.

    Synonyms

    * (exceptionally good) above and beyond, exceptional, extraordinary, superb

    See also

    * absolute * comparative * elative ----

    excessive

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Exceeding the usual bounds of something; extravagant; immoderate.
    • "I personally consider putting a wide vibrato on a single 16th triplet note at 160 beats per minute rather excessive , nay even stupid."

    Synonyms

    * See also

    Antonyms

    * insufficient * deficient

    Derived terms

    * excessive number

    Related terms

    * exceed * excess