Extra

/ˈɛkstrə/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonQuantity
3 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

Being beyond what is usual or expected; additional.

/ˈɛkstrə/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Quantity

More than is usual or expected.

Can you give me an extra blanket, please?

💡 Simply: Imagine you ordered a burger, and they give you an *extra* patty! It's something *more* than you expected, something *extra* special.

👶 For kids: Something that's more than you need. Like getting an *extra* cookie!

More Examples

2

The movie was great, and it had an extra scene at the end.

3

She earned an extra ten dollars for working overtime.

How It's Used

General

"We need an extra chair for the guest."

Commerce

"There's an extra charge for expedited shipping."

2

An additional thing or person; something beyond what is expected or usual.

/ˈɛkstrə/

nounneutralmedium
Object

Something that is not a regular or standard item.

The movie needed dozens of extras to fill the stadium.

💡 Simply: Imagine you are making a cake, and you need *extra* sprinkles, or maybe someone in a movie playing a background role is an *extra*.

👶 For kids: Something more that you have. Like an *extra* toy or person in a play.

More Examples

2

I'll take an extra of the dessert.

3

The actor got paid extra to do more than was asked

How It's Used

Performing Arts

"The film needed hundreds of extras for the battle scene."

Production

"We are providing food and drink extras."

Tip:Think of a movie set with 'extras' in the background – people adding to the scene.
3

To an unusual degree; very or especially.

/ˈɛkstrə/

adverbneutralmedium
Degree

To a greater degree; very.

She was working extra hard to save up for a car.

💡 Simply: Imagine you are working *extra* hard to finish your homework before playing video games!

👶 For kids: When you do something a *lot*. Like being *extra* happy.

More Examples

2

He was feeling extra tired today.

3

They went the extra mile and helped everyone.

How It's Used

General

"The team played extra hard to win the game."

Conversation

"Are you working extra today?"

Tip:Picture someone putting 'extra' effort into something, working harder.

Idioms & expressions

go the extra mile

To do more than is expected or required.

"The staff at the hotel always go the extra mile to make guests feel welcome."

extra credit

Additional credit or points earned beyond the regular assignments or requirements.

"The professor offered extra credit for students who volunteered in the community."

From Latin *extra* meaning 'outside, beyond'. It developed as a preposition, adverb, and adjective in various languages, signifying something additional or beyond the ordinary.

Used since the 14th century, originating from Latin.

Memory tip

Think of adding an 'extra' slice of pizza - something beyond the usual amount.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"outside, beyond"

extra effortextra chargeextra mileextra timeextra credit

Common misspellings

exttraekstra

Usage

65%Spoken
35%Written