Inordinate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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inordinate
[ɪˈnɔːdɪnət ]
Definitions
excessive
Exceeding reasonable limits; immoderate; extravagant.
Synonyms
excessive, extravagant, immoderate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inordinate |
Best used when describing something that exceeds reasonable or normal limits, often in a way that is not justified.
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| excessive |
Used when something goes beyond what is usual, necessary, or proper, often implying that it's too much.
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| immoderate |
Used when referring to a lack of restraint or moderation, particularly in behavior, feelings, or consumption.
|
| extravagant |
Often refers to spending resources like money or time lavishly and excessively, sometimes to the point of wastefulness.
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Examples of usage
- The inordinate amount of food on the table was overwhelming.
- She had an inordinate amount of energy for someone her age.
- He showed an inordinate amount of interest in her personal life.
disproportionate
Unusually or disproportionately large; excessive.
Synonyms
disproportionate, excessive, immoderate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| inordinate |
Use when describing something that is unusually large or more than expected; often has a formal tone.
|
| disproportionate |
Appropriate for situations where the size, amount, or degree of something is not in correct relation to something else; often used when discussing fairness or equality.
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| excessive |
Best used when describing something that goes beyond the normal or necessary limit; can have a negative connotation.
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| immoderate |
Effective for describing actions or behaviors that lack restraint or are done too much; often implies a negative judgment.
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Examples of usage
- The inordinate growth of the city's population led to overcrowding.
- There was an inordinate delay in receiving the package.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term appears in classic literature, often describing characters or situations that are excessive in emotion or action.
- Famous authors like Shakespeare used it to highlight the consequences of excess in life, such as in relationships and ambition.
Psychology
- In psychology, inordinate behaviors might relate to compulsive actions that disrupt normal functioning.
- Understanding what constitutes as 'inordinate' can help in recognizing unhealthy patterns of behavior in ourselves.
Pop Culture
- In modern media, characters often face 'inordinate' challenges, such as dealing with too much responsibility or chaos in their lives.
- Reality TV often showcases inordinate reactions, where contestants show extreme emotions for entertainment, drawing attention to the absurdity of their situations.
Philosophy
- Philosophers often discuss the concept of moderation vs. inordinate excess in the context of ethics and the good life.
- The idea of balance in life suggests that anything taken to an inordinate degree can lead to negative consequences.
Origin of 'inordinate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'inordinatus', which means 'disordered' or 'irregular'.
- It entered the English language in the late 14th century alongside similar terms that described excess.
- The prefix 'in-' means 'not', while 'ordinate' relates to order or arrangement, making it a direct reference to disorganization.
The word 'inordinate' originated from the Latin word 'inordinatus', which means 'disordered' or 'irregular'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the meaning 'immoderate' or 'excessive'. Over time, it has been used to describe things that are beyond reasonable limits or unusually large. The word has been commonly used in literature and formal writing to convey the idea of something being excessive or disproportionate.