overflødig

Overflødig is a Norwegian adjective meaning excessive, superfluous, or redundant. It is used to describe quantities, elements, or actions that exceed what is necessary or desirable, and can carry a neutral or negative tone depending on context.

Etymology: The word combines the prefix over- meaning “above” or “beyond” with an older form related to abundance or overflow. The sense of being more than what is needed underpins its meaning in modern Norwegian.

Usage and nuance: Overflødig can refer to tangible excess, such as overflødig emballasje (excess packaging) or overflødig vekt (excess weight), as well as to more abstract excess, like overflødige detaljer (superfluous details) in a report. The term often appears in formal or technical writing but can also appear in everyday speech when criticizing needless additions or redundancy.

Synonyms and related terms: Unødvendig (unnecessary), redundant, overdrevet (exaggerated), og overflødighet i enkelte kontekster. Antonyms include nødvendig (necessary) and tilstrekkelig (sufficient). Related nouns include overflod (abundance) and overskudd (surplus).

Examples of usage in sentences: The report contained overflødig data that obscured the main findings. Companies strive to reduce overflødig packaging to cut costs and waste. In editing, overflødige ord should be removed to improve clarity.

See also: Overflod, overskudd, unødvendig, nødvendig.