exceedingly

Exceedingly is an adverb meaning to a very great degree or extent. It is used to modify adjectives, other adverbs, or verbs to emphasize the intensity of a quality or action. The term conveys a stronger degree than synonyms such as extremely or very, and it often carries a formal or literary tone.

Etymology: Exceedingly is formed from the verb exceed, together with the adverbial suffix -ly. The construction traces back to Middle English and has long carried the sense of going beyond a normal bound or measure, yielding the sense “to an excessive degree.”

Usage and register: It commonly precedes adjectives or past participles, as in exceedingly difficult or exceedingly rare. It is versatile but tends to be more common in written or formal prose than in casual speech. In everyday language, speakers may prefer extremely, very, or notably depending on context.

Examples: The task was exceedingly difficult. The ceremony proceeded with exceedingly careful planning. Her performance was exceedingly impressive.

See also: extremely, greatly, highly.