Extraordinary

/ɪkˈstrɔːrdɪˌnɛri/

adjectivemedium📊CommonQuality
1 meaning2 questions

Definitions

1

Remarkable or exceptional in character, extent, or degree; exceeding the usual or normal.

/ɪkˈstrɔːrdɪˌnɛri/

adjectivepositivemedium
Quality

Beyond what is usual, regular, or established.

She possesses an extraordinary talent for music.

💡 Simply: Imagine something so special that it stands out from everything else. Like a superhero's amazing powers, something extraordinary is way above average.

👶 For kids: Super special and amazing! Something that is better than all the other things.

More Examples

2

The artist's work is of extraordinary beauty.

3

The detective uncovered an extraordinary series of events.

4

The athlete performed an extraordinary feat of strength.

How It's Used

General

"An extraordinary achievement."

Business

"The company reported extraordinary profits this quarter."

Science

"Scientists made extraordinary discovery during the experiment."

Synonyms & Antonyms

From Middle English, from Old French *extraordinaire*, from Latin *extraordinarius* (“out of the ordinary, unusual”), from *extra* (“beyond”) + *ordinarius* (“ordinary”).

The word began to appear in English in the late 14th century, initially referring to things outside of the usual order or course.

Memory tip

Think of something EXTRA beyond the ORDINARY.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"outside of the usual or normal"

extraordinary talentextraordinary achievementextraordinary circumstancesextraordinary effortsextraordinary measures

Common misspellings

extraodinaryextrodinaryextraornary

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written