Excess vs. Excessive
When excess is used an as adjective, are these words the same. Is there a case for using one over another?
Unpacking English, Bit by Bit
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My sense is that excess means "more than is necessary" whereas excessive means "too much." The two are very close in meaning, but there is a shade of difference. Excess is normally used with materials, where the unnecessary matter can be disposed of. Excessive is more frequently used in an abstract sense, when there is some quality that is way over the top and should be dialed back.
The plastic model of the car had excess flashing, which we trimmed off with a utility knife.
I'm tired of the excessive violence on TV.
Ron_Stanley Aug-13-2008
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My understanding is that excess means extra and unwanted and on the other hand excessive means too much or more than is necessary. Because excessive also means too much, I would say that has more of a negative ring to it than excess.
Storyteller Nov-13-2019
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I think a good (if rough) rule is to think this of this sort of like the fewer/less distinction: "excess" seems more applicable to something quantifiable (excess supply), whereas excessive seems more abstract (excessive eating).
DMarvel Apr-20-2020
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