German word

übermäßig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈyːbɐˌmɛːsɪç/

Meaning

  • adverbexcessively

Example

Er isst übermäßig viel.

He eats far too much.

Illustration for übermäßig (excessively)

More examples

Das Urteil war übermäßig streng.

The verdict was excessively strict.

Core concept

A gauge needle pushed far past its normal zone.

Common phrases

  • übermäßig teuer

    excessively expensive

  • übermäßig streng

    excessively strict

Similar words

zu: More than is wanted, suitable, or reasonable.
allzu: Beyond what is needed, with strong emphasis on excess.
übertrieben: In an exaggerated way that goes beyond what is reasonable.
maßlos: In an unrestrained way, with an extreme amount or intensity.

Definition in German

in einem Ausmaß, das das übliche Maß deutlich überschreitet

Word origin

The compound joins über ('beyond') and mäßig ('moderate'), with mäßig formed from Maß ('measure') by the suffix -ig; the adverb retains the adjective's form.

Usage tips

  • For a neutral everyday statement of excess, zu viel is often more natural than the more formal-sounding übermäßig.

Other meanings

  • overlyadverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Übermaßexcessnoun
  • Übermäßigkeitexcessivenessnoun

Word lists with this word