Literary notes about exceedingly (AI summary)
In literature, "exceedingly" is employed to intensify a quality, revealing both literal and emotional extremes. Authors use it to elevate descriptions, whether to underscore discomfort, such as being "exceedingly ill at ease" [1] or to amplify delight and wonder, as in being "exceedingly glad" [2]. Its placement often lends a formal or even archaic tone by intensifying characteristics—ranging from physical states, like "exceedingly dark" nights [3], to moral or metaphorical attributes, as when characters are depicted as "exceedingly humane" [4]. This adverb, therefore, functions as a powerful modifier, deepening the reader’s perception of a character’s mood or an atmosphere, as also seen when a proposal is met with someone being "exceedingly pleased" [5].
- And I went back to my business in London, with a mind exceedingly ill at ease.
— from The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins - And beholding Phalguna (in that attitude), he was exceedingly glad; and by worshipping the king of the celestials, he experienced the highest bliss.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - The night was exceedingly dark: most of the boats missed the mole and went on shore through a raging surf, which stove all to the left of it.
— from The Life of Horatio, Lord Nelson by Robert Southey - He was a fairly humane man toward slaves and other animals; he was an exceedingly humane man toward the erring of his own race.
— from The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson by Mark Twain - Elizabeth was exceedingly pleased with this proposal, and felt persuaded of her sister's ready acquiescence.
— from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
