'excessive' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'excessivus,' where 'ex-' meant 'out of' and 'cedere' meant 'to go.'

'excessivus' transformed into the Old French word 'excessif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'excessive' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'going beyond the usual or necessary limits,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.