Exceed vs. Over: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on December 5, 2023
"Exceed" means to go beyond a set limit or standard, while "over" generally refers to being above something in position or amount.
Difference Between Exceed and Over
Exceed, at its core, refers to going beyond a specific limit or surpassing a certain standard. When someone exceeds expectations, they are surpassing what was anticipated of them. On the other hand, over indicates a relative position or location, often suggesting something is above or covering something else.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 05, 2023
In numerical contexts, to exceed means to go beyond a number. For instance, if a budget exceeds $1,000, the costs have surpassed this figure. On the flip, over when used numerically, can mean more than a specific number, but doesn’t necessarily imply surpassing a preset limit. Saying something costs over $1,000 is stating it's more than that amount without hinting that $1,000 was a boundary.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 05, 2023
When considering physical location, exceed doesn’t often come into play. Over steps in to indicate something is atop or covering another object. An umbrella held over someone shields them from the rain. Exceed wouldn’t be appropriate here, as surpassing doesn’t make sense in this context.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 05, 2023
Interestingly, in casual speech, "over" can sometimes be used to mean "excessive," like "It's over the top." This usage aligns somewhat with "exceed," but their contexts differ. "Exceed" is more formal and precise, while "over" can be more fluid in its meanings.
Olivia
Dec 05, 2023
Yet, despite their differences, exceed and over sometimes overlap in context. Both can describe going beyond a measure. For instance, "exceeding the speed limit" and "driving over the speed limit" convey similar actions, but the former focuses on the act of surpassing, and the latter on the state of being beyond.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 05, 2023
Exceed vs. Over Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
To surpass a limit or standard
Indicates position or location above
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Dec 05, 2023
Numerical Context
Go beyond a specific number or limit
More than a particular number
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Dec 05, 2023
Exceed vs. Over Definitions
◉Over
In or at a position above or higher than
a sign over the door.
a hawk gliding over the hills.
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May 03, 2023
◉Exceed
To go beyond a set limit
The player's score exceeded the previous record.
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Sep 06, 2023
◉Over
Above and across from one end or side to the other
a jump over the fence.
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May 03, 2023
◉Exceed
To surpass in quality or degree
Her performance exceeded all others.
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Sep 06, 2023
◉Exceed
To be greater than, as in number or degree; surpass
a fortune that exceeds ten million dollars.
demand that exceeded supply.
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May 03, 2023
◉Exceed
To go beyond the limits of
I exceeded my allowance. The car exceeded the speed limit.
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May 03, 2023
◉Exceed
To be better than or superior to
a material that exceeds all others in durability.
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May 03, 2023
◉Exceed
(transitive) To be larger, greater than (something).
The company's 2005 revenue exceeds that of 2004.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
On top of or down upon
clubbed him over the head.
tripped over the toys.
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May 03, 2023
◉Exceed
(transitive) To be better than (something).
The quality of her essay has exceeded my expectations.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Through the extent of; all through
walked over the grounds.
looked over the report.
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May 03, 2023
◉Exceed
(transitive) To go beyond (some limit); to surpass; to be longer than.
Your password cannot exceed eight characters.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Through the medium of; via
addressed us over the loudspeaker.
can't tell you over the phone.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
So as to cover
put rocks over a cave entrance.
threw a shawl over her shoulders.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Up to or higher than the level or height of
The water was over my shoulders.
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May 03, 2023
◉Exceed
To go beyond; to proceed beyond the given or supposed limit or measure of; to outgo; to surpass; - used both in a good and a bad sense; as, one man exceeds another in bulk, stature, weight, power, skill, etc.; one offender exceeds another in villainy; his rank exceeds yours.
Name the time, but let it notExceed three days.
Observes how much a chintz exceeds mohair.
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May 03, 2023
◉Exceed
To go too far; to pass the proper bounds or measure.
Forty stripes he may give him, and not exceed.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
More than in degree, quantity, or extent
over ten miles.
over a thousand dollars.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
In superiority to
won a narrow victory over her rival.
a distinct advantage over our competitors.
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May 03, 2023
◉Exceed
go beyond;
She exceeded our expectations
She topped her performance of last year
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May 03, 2023
◉Exceed
be or do something to a greater degree;
her performance surpasses that of any other student I know
She outdoes all other athletes
This exceeds all my expectations
This car outperforms all others in its class
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
In a position to rule or control
The director presides over the meeting. There is no one over him in the department.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
So as to have an effect or influence on
the change that came over you.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
At a point at which one is no longer troubled by
I'm not quite over the cold I caught last week.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Across to another or opposite side
stopped at the curb, then crossed over.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Across a distance in a particular direction or at a location
lives over in England.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
To another often specified place or position
Move your chair over toward the fire.
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◉Over
To one's place of residence or business
invited us over for cocktails.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
So as to be comprehensible, acceptable, or effective; across
eventually got my point over.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
So as to be completely enclosed or covered
The river froze over. Engineers sealed the tunnel entrance over.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Completely through; from beginning to end
Think the problem over. Let's read the memo over.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
From an upward position to an inverted or reversed position
turn the paper over.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Used in two-way radio to indicate that a transmission is complete and a reply is awaited.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Thoroughly; completely; from beginning to end.
Let's talk over the project at tomorrow's meeting.
Let me think that over.
I'm going to look over our department's expenses.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Over
From an upright position to a horizontal one.
He tipped the bottle over, and the water came gushing out.
That building just fell over!
He bent over to touch his toes.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Horizontally; left to right or right to left.
Slide the toilet-paper dispenser's door over when one roll is empty in order to reveal the other.
I moved over to make room for him to sit down.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
From one side of something to another, passing above it.
The fence is too high. I don't think I'll be able to get over.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
From one position or state to another.
Please pass that over to me.
He came over to our way of thinking on the new project.
Come over and play!
I'll bring over a pizza.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Overnight throughout the night.
We stayed over at Grandma's.
Can I sleep over?
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Again; another time; once more; over again.
I lost my paper and I had to do the entire assignment over.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
On top of; above; higher than; further up.
Hold the sign up over your head.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Across or spanning.
There is a bridge over the river.
I looked out over the sea.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
In such a way as to cover.
Drape the fabric over the table.
There is a roof over the house.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
From one physical position to another via an obstacle that must be traversed vertically, first upwards and then downwards.
The dog jumped over the fence.
I'll go over [the fence] first and then help you.
Let's walk over the hill to get there.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Beyond; past; exceeding; too much or too far.
I think I’m over my limit for calories for today.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
(in certain collocations) As compared to.
Sales are down this quarter over last.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Indicating relative status, authority, or power
The owner's son lorded it over the experienced managers.
The prince ruled over a portion of the kingdom.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
(poker) Separates the three of a kind from the pair in a full house.
9♦9♠9♣6♥6♠ = nines over sixes
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Finished with; done with; from one state to another via a hindrance that must be solved or defeated; or via a third state that represents a significant difference from the first two.
We got over the engineering problems and the prototype works great.
I am over my cold and feel great again.
I know the referee made a bad call, but you have to get over it [your annoyance with the referee's decision].
She is finally over [the distress of] losing her job.
He is finally over his [distress over the loss of the relationship with his] ex-girlfriend.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Concerning or regarding.
The two boys had a fight over whose girlfriend was the best.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Above, implying superiority after a contest; in spite of; notwithstanding.
We triumphed over difficulties.
The bill was passed over the veto.
It was a fine victory over their opponents.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
A radio procedure word meaning that the station is finished with its transmission and is expecting a response.
Bravo Six, this is Bravo Six Four. Stand by for ten mike report one dash three, over.
Bravo Six Four, this is Bravo Six Actual. Send your traffic, over.
How do you receive? Over!
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
To run about.
The cattle have been overing all day because of the flies.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Above, or higher than, in place or position, with the idea of covering; - opposed to under; as, clouds are over our heads; the smoke rises over the city.
The mercy seat that is over the testimony.
Over them gleamed far off the crimson banners of morning.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Across; from side to side of; - implying a passing or moving, either above the substance or thing, or on the surface of it; as, a dog leaps over a stream or a table.
Certain lakes . . . poison birds which fly over them.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Upon the surface of, or the whole surface of; hither and thither upon; throughout the whole extent of; as, to wander over the earth; to walk over a field, or over a city.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Above; - implying superiority in excellence, dignity, condition, or value; as, the advantages which the Christian world has over the heathen.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Above in authority or station; - implying government, direction, care, attention, guard, responsibility, etc.; - opposed to under.
Thou shalt be over my house.
I will make thee rules over many things.
Dost thou not watch over my sin ?
His tender mercies are over all his works.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Across or during the time of; from beginning to end of; as, to keep anything over night; to keep corn over winter.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Above the perpendicular height or length of, with an idea of measurement; as, the water, or the depth of water, was over his head, over his shoes.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Beyond; in excess of; in addition to; more than; as, it cost over five dollars.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Above, implying superiority after a contest; in spite of; notwithstanding; as, he triumphed over difficulties; the bill was passed over the veto.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
From one side to another; from side to side; across; crosswise; as, a board, or a tree, a foot over, i. e., a foot in diameter.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
From one person or place to another regarded as on the opposite side of a space or barrier; - used with verbs of motion; as, to sail over to England; to hand over the money; to go over to the enemy.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
From beginning to end; throughout the course, extent, or expanse of anything; as, to look over accounts, or a stock of goods; a dress covered over with jewels.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
From inside to outside, above or across the brim.
Good measure, pressed down . . . and running over.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Beyond a limit; hence, in excessive degree or quantity; superfluously; with repetition; as, to do the whole work over.
He that gathered much had nothing over.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
In a manner to bring the under side to or towards the top; as, to turn (one's self) over; to roll a stone over; to turn over the leaves; to tip over a cart.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Completed; at an end; beyond the limit of continuance; finished; as, when will the play be over?.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Excessively; too much or too greatly; - chiefly used in composition; as, overwork, overhasty, overeager, overanxious, overreact, overcook.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Upper; covering; higher; superior; - chiefly used in composition; as, overshoes, overcoat, over-garment, overlord.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
Excessive; too much or too great; - chiefly used in composition; as, overwork, overhaste, overreaction.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
A certain number of balls (usually four) delivered successively from behind one wicket, after which the ball is bowled from behind the other wicket as many times, the fielders changing places.
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
(cricket) the period during which a given number of balls (6 in England but 8 in Australia) are bowled at the batsman by one player from the other team from the same end of the pitch
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
having come or been brought to a conclusion;
the harvesting was complete
the affair is over, ended, finished
the abruptly terminated interview
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
at or to a point across intervening space etc.;
come over and see us some time
over there
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May 03, 2023
◉Over
in such a manner as to be understood and accepted;
she cannot get her ideas across
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May 03, 2023
Exceed vs. Over Frequently Asked Questions
What does exceed mean in a general sense?
Exceed typically means to go beyond a specific limit or to surpass a set standard.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 05, 2023
How is over often used in spatial contexts?
Over frequently indicates a relative position or location, suggesting something is above or atop something else.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 05, 2023
Is "over" always related to spatial concepts?
No, over can also refer to amounts, durations, concerns, or being more than a specified age.
Levi
Dec 05, 2023
Is it correct to say "exceeding over the limit"?
It's redundant. You can simply say "exceeding the limit" or "going over the limit."
Elijah
Dec 05, 2023
Can you say "The cake is over delicious"?
No, in this context "over" isn't used this way. A more common expression might be "The cake is overly delicious."
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 05, 2023
Can exceed and over be used interchangeably in numerical contexts?
While both can refer to amounts greater than a given number, exceed implies surpassing a set limit, while over just indicates more than the number.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 05, 2023
Does exceed always suggest something positive?
Not always. While it can mean surpassing in a good way, like exceeding expectations, it can also be negative, as in exceeding a budget.
Levi
Dec 05, 2023
How does over differ in its meanings?
Over can be versatile, meaning above, more than, concerning, or through the duration of, depending on the context.
Levi
Dec 05, 2023
Which word is more formal: exceed or over?
Exceed is generally more formal and precise, especially when discussing surpassing limits or standards.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 05, 2023
In what contexts might exceed and over overlap?
Both can sometimes describe going beyond a measure, such as "exceeding the speed limit" and "driving over the speed limit."
Henry
Dec 05, 2023
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Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
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Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
