Definition

1. Adverb:
   • To a higher degree than is desirable, permissible, or possible; excessively: Used to indicate an undesirable or extreme degree of something.
   • In addition; also; moreover: Used to add a further point or item, often at the end of a clause.
   • (Informal) Very; extremely: Used for emphasis, often in informal contexts.

Examples of Usage

• Adverb (Excessively):
  • This coffee is too hot to drink. (The coffee is excessively hot.)
  • She was driving too fast for the wet road conditions. (Her speed was beyond a safe limit.)
• Adverb (In addition):
  • I'd like a coffee, and a slice of cake too, please. (I want both items.)
  • He is a talented writer and a skilled painter too. (He possesses both skills.)
• Adverb (Very - informal):
  • That is too kind of you! (That is extremely kind.)
  • I'm not too happy about the decision. (I am not very happy about it.)

Advanced Usage

• "Only too": Used to mean "very" or "extremely," often before an adjective to emphasize willingness or a fact.
  • I would be only too happy to help. (I would be extremely happy to help.)
• "All too": Used to emphasize that something is regrettably true or common.
  • The holidays ended all too soon. (The holidays ended regrettably quickly.)
• "None too": Used to mean "not very" or "not at all."
  • He was none too pleased with the results. (He was not at all pleased.)

Variants and Related Words

• Too much (phrase): An excessive amount.
  • He worries too much.
• Too many (phrase): An excessive number.
  • There are too many choices.

Synonyms

• Excessively: To an undue degree.
• Overly: To an excessive degree.
• Also: In addition; besides.
• As well: In addition; too (often used at the end of a clause).
• Very: To a high degree (for the informal sense).

Related Phrases

• Too bad: An expression of regret or dismissal.
  • It's too bad you can't come to the party.
• Too little, too late: An inadequate response that comes after the time when it could have been effective.
  • Their apology was too little, too late.

Idioms

• Be too much for (someone): To be more than someone can handle or endure.
  • The intense training was too much for the new recruits.
• Too clever by half: Excessively clever in a way that is annoying or likely to cause problems.
  • His too-clever-by-half scheme backfired completely.
• Too good to be true: So appealing or advantageous that it is not believable.
  • The job offer seemed too good to be true.

Adverb

1. in addition
   • he has a Mercedes, too
2. to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
   • too big