excess

Everyday

1. An amount that is more than is needed, allowed or usual. tree →
2. in excess of: more than. tree →
3. (adjective) Extra; more than needed: "excess baggage". tree →
4. (UK, Australia) The amount you pay yourself in an insurance claim before the insurer pays. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: "the excess" is the amount over a limit: if the limit is 20 and you have 25, the excess is 5. In cooking: "pour off the excess fat". Phrases: in excess of, to excess, excess baggage.

Examples

• Pour off the excess water. tree →
• The lorry was in excess of its weight limit. tree →
• We had to pay for excess baggage at the airport. tree →
• If the limit is 30 and there are 34, the excess is 4. tree →
• Eating sweets to excess is bad for your teeth. tree →
• Wipe off the excess paint. tree →
• The first-born of these was beautiful beyond compare, whereat the Queen was so very glad, that those present were afraid that her excess of joy would do her harm. tree →

Note

Adjective: excessive (too much). Verb: exceed. Said "ek-SESS" or "EK-sess". Maths: excess = amount − limit (subtract). "In excess of 100" means more than 100.