Extraneous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐น
extraneous
[ษชkหstreษชniษs ]
Definitions
inconsequential
Irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with.
Synonyms
irrelevant, superfluous, unnecessary.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| extraneous |
Used when something is unrelated or not essential to the subject at hand.
|
| irrelevant |
Used when something is completely unrelated to the subject or matter being discussed.
|
| unnecessary |
Used when something is not required or needed in a particular situation.
|
| superfluous |
Used when something is more than what is necessary, often with a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- This information is extraneous to the main topic of discussion.
- The details about his personal life are extraneous to the case.
additional
Coming from the outside.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| extraneous |
When referring to something that is irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being discussed.
|
| external |
When talking about something that is situated on or related to the outside of something, often in a physical or structural sense.
|
| foreign |
When indicating something or someone originating from a different country or culture.
|
| outside |
When referring to the physical space beyond the confines of a building or structure, or metaphorically to beyond the limits of a defined area or group.
|
Examples of usage
- The extraneous noise from the street made it hard to concentrate.
- She tried to ignore the extraneous distractions and focus on her work.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In scientific studies, extraneous variables can confuse results, as they are not related to the main purpose of the research.
- Astrophysicists consider extraneous light when studying celestial bodies to get clear observations.
- In psychology, focusing on extraneous factors during experiments can lead to inaccurate conclusions about behavior.
Tech
- In programming, extraneous code can make applications slower and harder to maintain.
- Web developers strive to eliminate extraneous files to enhance website performance and user experience.
- During data processing, extraneous information can clutter insights and complicate analysis.
Literature
- In writing, including extraneous details can distract from the main plot and confuse readers.
- Editors often help remove extraneous words or sentences to streamline stories and enhance clarity.
- Poets may use extraneous imagery to evoke emotion, but can also risk losing the core message.
Daily Life
- In cleaning, removing extraneous items from a room can lead to a more organized and calming space.
- During decision-making, spotting extraneous options helps focus on what's truly important.
- Streamlining processes often involves identifying and eliminating extraneous steps for efficiency.
Origin of 'extraneous'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'extraneus,' meaning 'external' or 'foreign.'
- In the mid-1600s, it entered English to describe things that are not part of a whole.
- The prefix 'extra-' indicates something that is outside or beyond what is needed.
The word 'extraneous' comes from the Latin word 'extraneus', meaning 'external' or 'foreign'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe things that are irrelevant, unnecessary, or coming from the outside in various contexts.
See also: extradition, extras.