What does exceedingly mean?
"Exceedingly" is a formal adverb meaning "to a very great degree" — it functions as an intensifier, amplifying the adjective or adverb it modifies. One might describe a problem as exceedingly complex, a host as exceedingly gracious, or a manuscript as exceedingly rare. The word carries a distinctly formal, even literary flavor; while it remains perfectly current in written English, journalism, and polished speech, casual conversation more often reaches for simpler intensifiers like "very" or "really." Its connotations are largely neutral to positive, though it can lend a slightly old-fashioned, refined air reminiscent of nineteenth-century prose. Etymologically, it derives from the verb "exceed," which traces back through Old French to the Latin "excedere," meaning "to go beyond." Because it signals degree rather than excess or wrongdoing, "exceedingly" differs subtly from "excessively": the former simply measures intensity, while the latter implies that a limit has been unwisely surpassed. For writers seeking an elevated, precise tone, "exceedingly" is a reliable and expressive choice.
adverbTo an extreme or very great degree; extremely.
- To an extreme degree; very; extremely (used to intensify adjectives and adverbs).
"The hike was exceedingly difficult, but the view from the summit made every step worthwhile."
"She was exceedingly polite to everyone she met at the conference."
"The task proved exceedingly complex, requiring months of careful planning."
Jane Austen used "exceedingly" so often in her novels that it became a hallmark of Regency-era speech — and it still sounds delightfully formal today.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exceedingly
"Exceedingly" is formed from the verb "exceed," which entered English from Anglo-Norman and Old French "exceder," itself derived from Latin "excedere" — "to go out or beyond," from "ex-" (out) plus "cedere" (to go, yield). The adverb was created by adding the suffixes "-ing" and "-ly," first appearing in English in the late Middle Ages. It shares this Latin root with related words such as "successive" and "succeed," all built on the idea of going or moving beyond a point.
How exceedingly is actually used
Register: somewhat formal or literary. In everyday modern speech, words like "really," "very," or "incredibly" are more common. "Exceedingly" lends an elevated or slightly old-fashioned tone and is frequent in formal writing, journalism, and historical fiction.
Easily confused with exceedingly
"Exceedingly" simply means "extremely," while "excessively" carries a negative connotation of going beyond what is acceptable or desirable.