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Extraneously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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extraneously

[ษ›kหˆstrey.nษ™s.li ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

irrelevant information

Extraneously refers to something that is not relevant or essential to a particular topic or situation. It is often used to describe information or elements that are added but do not contribute to the main argument or purpose. When something is extraneous, it can detract from the clarity or effectiveness of communication. This term is common in academic and professional writing, where conciseness is important.

Synonyms

irrelevant, nonessential, superfluous, unnecessary.

Examples of usage

  • The report included many extraneously detailed sections that confused the main argument.
  • Please omit any extraneously related facts that do not support your thesis.
  • His speech was long and filled with extraneous anecdotes that bored the audience.
  • They found extraneously collected data in the research, which was not necessary for their conclusions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In scientific research, extraneous variables are factors other than the independent variable that can affect the outcome.
  • Controlling for extraneous factors is crucial to ensure valid research results.
  • In psychology, removing extraneous stimuli from an environment helps enhance focus and better understand behaviors.

Literature

  • Writers often encourage the removal of extraneous words to create clearer and more concise writing.
  • In editing, identifying and eliminating extraneous details can strengthen a narrativeโ€™s impact.
  • Novelist Ernest Hemingway famously advocated for minimalist writing, which avoids extraneous elements to achieve clarity.

Technology

  • In programming, extraneous code can lead to inefficiencies and bugs within software.
  • Removing extraneous data from databases is essential for optimizing performance and ensuring accurate information retrieval.
  • Web design often emphasizes cutting out extraneous layouts to create a smoother user experience.

Everyday Life

  • The concept of extraneous resources is often applied in budgeting, where unnecessary expenses can be trimmed.
  • In cooking, extraneous ingredients can complicate recipes, making them harder to follow and cooking times longer.
  • Decluttering is a popular trend that encourages removing extraneous items from living spaces to create a more serene environment.

Origin of 'extraneously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'extraneus', meaning 'external' or 'foreign'.
  • It was first recorded in English in the 1650s, indicating its gradual introduction into the language.
  • It is commonly used in legal and academic contexts to describe information or materials that do not relate directly to the main topic.

The word 'extraneously' derives from the Latin root 'extra', meaning 'outside' or 'beyond'. The term has evolved through Middle English, eventually adopting its contemporary form. The suffix '-ly' is commonly used in English to convert adjectives into adverbs, indicating the manner in which something is done. The usage of 'extraneous' became prominent in English during the 19th century, particularly within academic and scholarly contexts, where precision in language was increasingly valued. Its application often pertains to any information or detail that does not directly pertain to the main subject at hand, implying a sense of excess. This shift reflects a broader trend in the English language towards clarity and purpose in communication, particularly in formal writing.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,040, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.