too
too
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "too" is /tuː/.
/tuː/
Word Form Variations
Adverb: too (no comparative/superlative forms)
Adjective: too (rare, informal, often used as part of "too much" or "too many" functioning adjectivally)
Noun: (No direct noun form, though "too much" can function as a noun phrase)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverb
Definition 1: To a greater extent than is desirable, permissible, or possible; excessively.
Synonyms: excessively, overly, inordinately, unduly, immoderately, extremely
Antonyms: insufficiently, not enough, barely, scarcely, adequately
Definition 2: In addition; also.
Synonyms: also, as well, besides, moreover, in addition, furthermore
Antonyms: exclusively, solely, only, alone
Definition 3: Very; extremely (often used informally for emphasis).
Synonyms: very, extremely, exceedingly, terribly (informal), really (informal)
Antonyms: slightly, somewhat, barely, moderately
Adjective
Definition 1 (informal): Excessive in quantity or amount. (Typically as part of the phrase "too much" or "too many")
Synonyms: excessive, abundant, superfluous, redundant, overmuch
Antonyms: insufficient, inadequate, lacking, scarce
Examples of Use
Books:
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was too soon, yet too late." (Fictional example from a historical novel, playing on the Dickensian opening)
"The hero had too much pride to admit his mistakes, leading to his downfall." (Fictional example from a classic tragedy or character study)
"This scientific theory is too complex for a layman to grasp without prior knowledge." (From a non-fiction book explaining a difficult subject)
Newspapers:
"Economists warn that the new tax measures might be too burdensome for small businesses." ("Business Daily Africa,")
"The government announced that it is working too diligently to achieve its development goals by 2030." ("Daily Nation,") - Using "too" for emphasis, meaning "very" or "exceedingly."
"Environmental activists argue that the destruction of forests is happening too quickly for conservation efforts to keep pace." ("The Standard,")
Online Publications:
"Are you eating too much sugar? Signs and symptoms to look out for." (An article on a health and wellness blog, e.g., Healthline.com)
"The new smartphone is too expensive for the average consumer, despite its impressive features." (A tech review on "The Verge,")
"Download our free guide too and get expert tips on digital marketing." (A promotional call to action on a website, using "too" for "also," e.g., HubSpot)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I'm too old for this sh*t." (Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon, 1987)
Television Series: "It's not too late to turn back, Agent. This mission is highly dangerous." (Dialogue from a spy or action series, e.g., Mission: Impossible)
Song Lyrics: "And baby, when you left me, a part of me just died. I loved you too much, too much to say goodbye." (From a pop ballad about heartbreak)
Video Games: "Your inventory is too full. You cannot carry any more items." (In-game notification, e.g., The Legend of Zelda)
Podcasts: "Our guest shared some truly fascinating insights, and I learned a lot too." (A podcast host concluding an interview, using "too" for "also")
General Public Discourse:
"It's too hot outside today." (A common complaint about weather)
"Can I come along too?" (A common question asking to be included)
"You're driving too fast, slow down!" (A warning to a driver)
"I have too much work to do before the weekend." (A common complaint about workload)
"That's too bad, I was really looking forward to it." (Expressing disappointment)
"This is just too much food for one person." (Commenting on quantity)
"I want to go to the beach too." (Expressing a desire to join)
"The problem is too big to solve alone." (Describing difficulty)
10 Quotes Using Too
"I'm too old for this sh*t." (Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon, 1987)
"This, too, shall pass." (Often attributed to Abraham Lincoln, but of ancient Persian origin)
"Nothing is too wonderful to be true if it be consistent with the laws of nature." (Michael Faraday)
"Too many cooks spoil the broth." (Common proverb, widely known)
"I've got a bad feeling about this." (Common line in Star Wars films) - This implies a situation that is "too" precarious or dangerous.
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." (C.S. Lewis)
"Sometimes you don't know what you have until it's gone." (Common saying, often used in songs) - This suggests realizing value when it's "too" late.
"It is never too late to be what you might have been." (George Eliot)
"Don't count your chickens before they hatch." (Common proverb, widely known) - This implies that premature celebration is "too" soon.
"The truth is rarely pure and never simple." (Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, 1895) - This implies that things are "too" complex to be simple.
Etymology
The word "too" has a very old and interesting etymology, closely linked to the words "to" and "two"!
It comes from the Old English word tō.
This Old English tō was the same word as our modern "to" (the preposition, as in "go to the shop").
However, in Old English, tō also had another use: it functioned as an intensifier, meaning "in addition," "besides," or "excessively." It carried the sense of "more than expected" or "also."
So, the first known use of "too" in English, with the meaning of "also" or "in addition," dates back to before the 9th century (Old English period). The sense of "excessively" (as in "too much") also appeared in Old English.
Over centuries, the pronunciation of this adverbial tō became distinct from the prepositional "to," likely to avoid confusion, eventually settling on the /tuː/ sound. Its core meaning as an intensifier or an additive has remained consistent throughout its long history.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Too
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "too":
Too little, too late: An effort or action that is insufficient and delayed, making it ineffective.
Too good to be true: Seemingly so positive that it is hard to believe.
Too many cooks spoil the broth: When too many people are involved in a task, the result is often poor.
Too much of a good thing: Something that is enjoyable or beneficial but becomes undesirable if there is an excessive amount.
Too close for comfort: Uncomfortably or dangerously near.
Too big for one's britches: (Informal) Acting in a conceited or arrogant manner.
Too much information (TMI): (Informal) Used to indicate that someone has shared overly personal or unnecessary details.
Too long in the tooth: (Informal) Too old.
Never say never: Implying that one should not rule out future possibilities, no matter how unlikely they seem. (Synonymous with "it's not too impossible")
Beyond measure: Exceedingly or excessively. (Synonymous with "too much")
Too soon to tell: It is not yet possible to know the outcome.
Too hard to handle: Difficult to manage or control.
Not a moment too soon: Just in time; at the last possible moment.
Too cute by half: (Informal, often critical) Excessively or annoyingly cute or clever.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of too from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
