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Exorbitantly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exorbitantly

[ษชษกหˆzษ”หrbษชtษ™ntli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe an excessive or unreasonable amount

In an exorbitantly expensive city like New York, even basic necessities can cost a fortune. Prices are exorbitantly high during the holiday season, making it difficult for many families to afford gifts.

Synonyms

excessively, extremely, unreasonably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
exorbitantly

Used when describing something that is unreasonably high in amount, particularly prices or fees.

  • The rent in this neighborhood is exorbitantly high
  • The restaurant charges exorbitant prices for their dishes
extremely

Used to emphasize a high degree of something, often in a positive or neutral sense.

  • He is extremely talented
  • The weather was extremely cold
unreasonably

Used to describe something that lacks justification or is unfair, often used in negative contexts.

  • The boss's demands were unreasonably strict
  • She was unreasonably upset over a minor issue
excessively

Used to indicate something that goes beyond what is usual, necessary, or proper, across various contexts.

  • She exercises excessively, spending hours at the gym every day
  • Drinking excessively can harm your health

Examples of usage

  • The hotel charged exorbitantly for a bottle of water.
  • She was exorbitantly paid for her work on the project.
  • The company's CEO was criticized for earning exorbitantly high salaries.
  • I refuse to pay such an exorbitant price for a simple meal.
  • The tickets for the concert were priced exorbitantly, causing many fans to miss out.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Prices can become exorbitantly high in situations of monopoly, where one provider controls the market.
  • The term often appears in discussions about inflation when prices rise dramatically in a short period.
  • Exorbitantly high interest rates on loans lead to a higher debt burden for borrowers.

Pop Culture

  • Exorbitantly priced tickets for concerts or events often spark debates on fairness in accessibility to experiences.
  • In films, characters sometimes find themselves in exorbitantly expensive situations that drive the plot forward, highlighting wealth disparity.
  • Social media influencers or celebrities can promote exorbitantly priced products, leading to discussions about consumerism.

Psychology

  • Research shows humans can exhibit 'price insensitivity', where emotional attachment to a product can lead to paying exorbitant amounts.
  • Cognitive dissonance may occur when someone buys something exorbitantly priced but feels guilty afterward for overspending.
  • People are often more willing to accept exorbitant prices for unique or scarce items, influenced by scarcity theory.

Literature

  • Many novels depict characters struggling against exorbitantly wealthy antagonists, highlighting social and economic themes.
  • Literary works often critique societal norms that allow for exorbitant pricing, questioning morality in capitalism.
  • Exorbitantly lavish descriptions in poetry can point to themes of excess and indulgence in human nature.

Origin of 'exorbitantly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'exorbitans', meaning 'out of the track', which suggests something excessive.
  • Introduced in the early 19th century, it was used to describe charges or prices far beyond ordinary meaning.
  • The prefix 'ex-' means 'out from' and combined with 'orbit', it indicates deviation from a normal path.

The word 'exorbitantly' originates from the Latin word 'exorbitant-' which means 'deviating from the ordinary'. It was first used in the English language in the early 15th century. Over time, it has come to be associated with describing prices, fees, or amounts that are unreasonably high or excessive.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,378, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.