exceedingly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exceedingly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a high degree or extent of something, often in a positive or formal context. Example: "The project was exceedingly successful, surpassing all our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The international rules are expected to be exceedingly weak, with virtually all of the airplanes flying today making the grade, which means ICAO is unlikely to deliver any real reductions on greenhouse gas emissions.

The Guardian

In another way what he did was exceedingly brave when Madrid were at full strength and Cristiano Ronaldo was gunning for Raúl's record as the Champions League's all-time record scorer.

The Guardian - Sport

Up on the rarefied and leafy heights of Kolonaki, home to some of central Athens' most expensive shops and their exceedingly well-heeled clientele, it was hard to find anyone really upset by Syriza's victory – or worried by Tsipras's warning that the vote was "a defeat for the oligarchs and elites".

The Guardian

Dominic Sandbrook is a historian whose books include Never Had It So Good and Mad as Hell The 1964 general election was hotly contested and narrowly decided – power went to Labour by an exceedingly slender majority.

The Guardian

Shoreditch changed from a gritty no-go area to being exceedingly trendy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In reality, every ground in the country contains its share of bigmouths, and while to be on the receiving end of a gobful of filth is exceedingly unpleasant and infuriating, a footballer's behaviour must always be above that of the yob.

The Guardian - Sport

Having joined Davis on the stump, it would now be exceedingly difficult for him to capitulate and allow the government to push the counter-terrorism bill through via the Parliament Act.

The Guardian - Opinion

For, alongside an exhaustive list of whiskies from all over Scotland – some exceedingly rare – there's a sizeable selection from Japan.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The other thing to note is this course is exceedingly flat and quite technical: the Brownlees would happy cycle up the Ventoux and run around Everest if they could - the harder the course for them the better - but the challenge on the bike today will be handling the 100+ corners.

The Guardian - Sport

Financial Times journalist and fellow anthropologist Gillian Tett argued that the book was "not just thought-provoking but exceedingly timely", not least, no doubt, because in it Graeber called for a biblical-style "jubilee", meaning a wiping out of sovereign and consumer debts.

The Guardian - Books

Certainly, his relationship with Mrs Thatcher was always exceedingly formal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceedingly" to add emphasis and a touch of formality to your writing. It works well when describing qualities or actions that are significantly above the average.

Common error

While "exceedingly" is grammatically correct, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very" or "really" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "exceedingly" functions as an intensifier, modifying adjectives or adverbs to denote a very high degree. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and adds emphasis. For instance, one might say "exceedingly rare" or "exceedingly difficult".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceedingly" is a grammatically correct and versatile adverb used to emphasize the degree of a quality or action. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's most frequently found in news and formal business contexts, adding a touch of formality to your writing. While perfectly acceptable, remember to consider your audience and opt for simpler alternatives like "extremely" or "very" in informal settings. Using "exceedingly" adds emphasis and a touch of sophistication to your writing, highlighting qualities or actions that stand out. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase in various contexts, reaffirming its proper usage and meaning. Finally, don't overuse the term, or it loses its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely

Direct synonym, differing only in stylistic preference.

very

More general intensifier, less formal than "exceedingly".

highly

Indicates a high degree, often used with specific qualities.

remarkably

Emphasizes the unusual or noteworthy nature of something.

exceptionally

Highlights something that is an exception to the norm.

incredibly

Implies a degree that is hard to believe.

intensely

Focuses on the strength or depth of a feeling or quality.

particularly

Signifies something that applies to someone or something more than others.

unusually

Highlights a deviation from what is common or expected.

terribly

While technically similar, often carries a negative connotation.

FAQs

How to use "exceedingly" in a sentence?

"Exceedingly" is an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, emphasizing the degree to which something is done or exists. For example, "The task was "exceedingly difficult"" or "She performed "exceedingly well"".

What can I say instead of "exceedingly"?

You can use alternatives like "extremely", "very", "highly", or "remarkably" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "exceedingly" formal or informal?

"Exceedingly" leans towards the formal side. In informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "very" or "really" are often more appropriate.

What's the difference between "exceedingly" and "excessively"?

While both indicate a high degree, "exceedingly" generally implies a high degree of something positive or neutral, while "excessively" often suggests that something is over the top or undesirable. For example, "exceedingly generous" vs. "excessively critical".