surfeit
Noun
Hard difficulty
What does “surfeit” mean?
noun.an excessive amount of something.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing themes of consumption, excess, or the consequences of overindulgence. It emphasizes not just a large quantity but suggests a negative connotation, such as the problems arising from having too much of something, in contrast to words like "abundance," which can imply a positive or neutral quality.
Common Confusions
Surfeit implies a detrimental excess that leads to negative consequences, while abundance usually suggests a plentiful supply that can be viewed positively or neutrally.
Do not choose surfeit if the context emphasizes scarcity or lack rather than an excessive amount of something.
Example Sentences
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A surfeit of rain this spring has led to flooding.
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A surfeit of wheat is driving down the price.
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She surfeited her children on sweets.
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After a surfeit of sweets, he felt sick.