Extraordinary: meaning, definitions and examples

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extraordinary

 

[ɪkˈstrɔːd(ə)n(ə)ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

incredible

Very unusual or remarkable.

Synonyms

amazing, exceptional, remarkable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
extraordinary

Used to describe something very unusual or surprising, often in a positive way.

  • The chef prepared an extraordinary meal that left everyone speechless.
  • Her performance on the piano was simply extraordinary.
amazing

Used to express great surprise or admiration.

  • The view from the top of the mountain was amazing.
  • It's amazing how fast technology is advancing.
exceptional

Used to describe someone or something that is unusually good, often implying a standard above the normal.

  • She showed exceptional skill in solving the complex mathematical problem.
  • We received exceptional customer service at the hotel.
remarkable

Used to highlight something worth mentioning because it is unusual or striking.

  • He made a remarkable recovery after the accident.
  • Her speech was remarkable for its clarity and passion.

Examples of usage

  • It was an extraordinary achievement for someone so young.
  • The film tells the extraordinary story of a woman's journey through time.
Context #2 | Adjective

beyond what is ordinary

Beyond what is usual, ordinary, regular, or established.

Synonyms

exceptional, uncommon, unusual.

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Word Description / Examples
extraordinary

Identical to the first description, emphasizing uniqueness or something notably different from what is usual.

  • The cake she baked was extraordinary, both in flavor and presentation
unusual

Describes something that deviates from the normal or expected pattern, often used in a neutral or slightly positive sense.

  • The design of the new building is unusual but very modern and intriguing
exceptional

Used to refer to something that is significantly better than average or standard, often indicating a high level of skill or achievement.

  • He showed exceptional talent on the soccer field, scoring three goals in one match
uncommon

Refers to something that is rarely found or not often seen, usually implying rarity rather than quality.

  • It is quite uncommon to see this species of bird in our region

Examples of usage

  • Her extraordinary beauty captivated everyone in the room.
  • The team showed extraordinary determination in overcoming all obstacles.
Context #3 | Adjective

remarkable

Notable or remarkable in a particular respect.

Synonyms

exceptional, impressive, outstanding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
extraordinary

Use when describing something very unusual or remarkable that stands out from the norm.

  • Her ability to solve complex problems is extraordinary
  • The rescue operation was an extraordinary success
exceptional

Often used to refer to someone or something that is superior or above average. It highlights the uncommon quality or talent.

  • The student showed exceptional skills in mathematics
  • The weather conditions have been exceptionally good this season
outstanding

Ideal for describing someone or something that is significantly better than the rest, often used in professional or academic contexts.

  • He received an award for his outstanding contributions to science
  • The report highlighted outstanding achievements in the industry
impressive

Best describes something or someone that leaves a strong impact due to their qualities, skills, or effectiveness.

  • The structure of the ancient building is truly impressive
  • She gave an impressive performance in the play

Examples of usage

  • He has an extraordinary ability to understand complex concepts quickly.
  • The painting is an extraordinary example of the artist's talent.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin 'extraordinarius', meaning 'outside of the usual course'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, indicating something remarkable or unusual.
  • The prefix 'extra-' denotes 'beyond' or 'more than', while 'ordinary' refers to what is normal.

Pop Culture

  • In the 2004 film 'The Incredibles', ordinary people embrace their extraordinary superpowers to save the day.
  • Music artist Sia released a song titled 'Extraordinary', celebrating individuality and uniqueness.
  • The concept of extraordinary is often depicted in superhero comics, where characters possess abilities far beyond that of average humans.

Science

  • Extraordinary phenomena, such as black holes, challenge our understanding of physics and the universe.
  • Some species exhibit extraordinary adaptations, like the octopus' ability to change color and texture for camouflage.
  • Research in psychology shows that experiencing extraordinary events can significantly impact human memory and perception.

Literature

  • In literature, extraordinary characters often undergo transformative journeys, highlighting themes of growth and self-discovery.
  • Books like 'Harry Potter' and 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' feature extraordinary worlds that captivate readers’ imaginations.
  • Poets often use the term to elevate mundane experiences into something special and awe-inspiring.

Psychology

  • Experiments suggest that individuals reporting extraordinary experiences often feel a greater sense of well-being and fulfillment.
  • The 'extraordinary' can evoke emotions such as wonder and amazement, playing a vital role in creativity and inspiration.
  • Noticing extraordinary moments in everyday life can enhance mindfulness and appreciation of the world around us.

Translations

Translations of the word "extraordinary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 extraordinário

🇮🇳 असाधारण

🇩🇪 außergewöhnlich

🇮🇩 luar biasa

🇺🇦 надзвичайний

🇵🇱 niezwykły

🇯🇵 並外れた

🇫🇷 extraordinaire

🇪🇸 extraordinario

🇹🇷 olağanüstü

🇰🇷 비범한

🇸🇦 استثنائي

🇨🇿 mimořádný

🇸🇰 mimoriadny

🇨🇳 非凡的

🇸🇮 izjemen

🇮🇸 óvenjulegur

🇰🇿 ерекше

🇬🇪 განსაკუთრებული

🇦🇿 fövqəladə

🇲🇽 extraordinario

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,833, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.