Outrageous
/ˌaʊtˈreɪdʒəs/
Definitions
2 meaningsCausing or tending to cause public anger or shock by exceeding accepted standards of what is right or good.
/ˌaʊtˈreɪdʒəs/
Shockingly bad or excessive.
The price of the concert tickets was outrageous.
💡 Simply: Imagine you go to a store and a candy bar costs $100! That's outrageous because it's way too expensive.
👶 For kids: When something is super silly or unfair, like when your friend eats all the cookies!
More Examples
His behavior was considered outrageous by the community.
The actor's outrageous costume certainly turned heads on the red carpet.
How It's Used
"The cost of the meal was outrageous!"
"The company's actions were considered outrageous by many."
Exceeding the limits of what is usual or proper.
/ˌaʊtˈreɪdʒəs/
Very strange or unusual.
The comedian's jokes were outrageous, but funny.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see someone wearing a swimsuit to a winter dance. It's a bit outrageous because it's not what you'd expect.
👶 For kids: When something is super weird or different, like wearing socks on your head.
More Examples
The design of the building was considered by many to be an outrageous architectural feat.
She wore an outrageous hat to the party, which made her stand out.
How It's Used
"Her outfit was outrageous, but she pulled it off."
"The hero's actions in the book were often outrageous."
Synonyms
Atrocious
Disgraceful
Excessive
Extreme
Offensive
Amazing
Bizarre
Eccentric
Idioms & expressions
outrageous fortune
Used to describe the unexpected negative events in life.
"Shakespeare used it to describe the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune."
From Old French *outrage* (excess, violence) derived from *outrer* (to go beyond, transgress), ultimately from Latin *ultra* (beyond). The -ous suffix denotes 'full of'.
The word 'outrageous' has been used since the late 14th century, initially referring to violence or excess.
Memory tip
Think of something so 'out of the range' of acceptable behavior that it causes a big RAGE.