Excessivament

Excessivament is a Catalan adverb meaning to an excessive degree or overly. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs and usually carries a negative or emphatic nuance. The term is common in formal writing, literary prose, journalism, and careful speech, but it also appears in everyday conversation when extra emphasis is intended.

Etymology and form: Excessivament is formed from the adjective excessiu (excessive) plus the adverbial suffix -ment, following a pattern similar to other Catalan adverbs. Its ultimate origin is Latin excessivus, transmitted through the history of the Catalan language.

Usage and nuance: Excessivament intensifies descriptions of quantity, pace, or degree. In casual speech speakers may opt for milder expressions such as massa or molt, while excessivament signals a more formal or critical tone. It can be contrasted with terms that express moderation or restraint.

Examples:

- El preu és excessivament alt. (The price is excessively high.)

- Les despeses són excessivament elevades. (The expenses are excessively high.)

- Les mesures s'han aplicat de manera excessivament estricta. (The measures were applied in an excessively strict manner.)

See also: excessiu (the related adjective), massa, molt. In Catalan dictionaries, excessivament is listed as a standard adverb, with usage attested across formal and literary registers.