exceed
The speed limit is 60 km/h, but many drivers exceed it.
Many drivers drive faster than the allowed maximum speed.
to be greater than a particular number or amount
The company's profits exceeded expectations this quarter.
The company earned more money than predicted this quarter.
The temperature exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The temperature went above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Commonly used in financial, technical, and statistical contexts.
to go beyond what is allowed or acceptable
The defendant was charged with exceeding the speed limit.
The defendant was charged with driving faster than the legal speed limit.
Often used in legal or regulatory contexts to describe violations.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Common Prepositions
Use 'exceed' with 'in' when referring to a quality (e.g., 'exceed in skill'), but more commonly followed by a noun or number (e.g., 'exceed the speed limit').
Gold Rule
Avoid Redundancy
Do not use 'exceed over'—'exceed' already implies going beyond, so 'over' is unnecessary.
Word Origin
From Middle English *exceden*, from Old French *exceder*, from Latin *excedere* (to go out, exceed), from *ex-* (out) + *cedere* (to go).
Usage Notes
Used with numbers, limits, or expectations. Often followed by 'by' to indicate the amount of excess (e.g., 'exceeded the target by 10%').