exceed
B2Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
to be greater than a particular number or amount; to go beyond a set limit.
To surpass someone or something in quality, degree, or intensity; to do more than is allowed or expected.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used with quantitative or qualitative boundaries. Implies a measurable or definable limit that is surpassed. Can carry a neutral or negative connotation depending on context (e.g., exceeding expectations vs. exceeding the speed limit).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both British and American English, with slightly higher usage in formal and business contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[sb/sth] exceeds [sth][sth] exceeds [amount/limit]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to exceed one's brief”
- “to exceed all bounds”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used frequently in reports: 'Q3 profits exceeded forecasts.'
Academic
Used in data analysis: 'The results exceeded the threshold for significance.'
Everyday
Common in driving contexts: 'Don't exceed the speed limit.'
Technical
Used in engineering and specifications: 'Load must not exceed maximum tolerance.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The cost must not exceed fifty pounds.
- His performance exceeded all our hopes.
American English
- Do not exceed 65 miles per hour.
- Sales exceeded one million dollars.
adverb
British English
- Exceedingly (note: a different word) difficult.
- An exceeding (archaic) rare event.
American English
- Exceedingly (note: a different word) generous.
- She was exceeding (archaic) kind.
adjective
British English
- The exceedance (noun) was noted.
- An exceeding (archaic/formal) difficulty was faced.
American English
- The exceedance (noun) was reported.
- With exceeding (archaic/formal) care, they proceeded.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The price cannot exceed £10.
- Please do not exceed two pieces of cake.
- The number of guests exceeded the room's capacity.
- This year's rainfall may exceed the average.
- The project's costs have exceeded the initial budget by 15%.
- Her talent exceeds that of her peers.
- The defendant's actions far exceeded his legal authority.
- The model's predictive accuracy exceeds 99%.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'EXit at high SPEED' – you go beyond (exit) the allowed limit (speed). Ex-ceed.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY/QUALITY IS VERTICAL POSITION (to exceed is to be higher than a set line).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'превышать' (correct) and 'преувеличивать' (to exaggerate). Also, 'exceed' is not 'превосходить' in all emotional/competitive contexts; 'surpass' or 'outdo' may be better.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'excede' (incorrect). Confusing with 'accede' or 'proceed'. Using 'exceed' for non-measurable comparison: 'His car exceeded mine' (awkward, prefer 'was better than').
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'exceed' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a transitive verb followed directly by a noun or noun phrase (exceed a limit), not an infinitive.
The most common noun is 'excess'. For the act of exceeding, formal/technical contexts use 'exceedance' (e.g., pollution exceedance).
They are often synonyms, but 'exceed' is more common with measurable limits (speed, budget). 'Surpass' is more common for qualitative comparisons (beauty, skill) and often implies going beyond a previous best.
Yes, e.g., 'exceed expectations' is overwhelmingly positive. The connotation depends on what is being exceeded—rules (negative) or hopes (positive).