Inordinately Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inordinately

[ɪˈnɔːrdɪnətli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

degree or extent

Inordinately means to an excessive or abnormal degree. It describes a situation, action, or characteristic that goes beyond what is considered reasonable or usual.

Synonyms

excessively, unduly, unreasonably.

Examples of usage

  • She was inordinately excited about the surprise party.
  • He spent inordinately long hours at work.
  • The project was inordinately complex for the team.
  • Inordinately high prices led to a decrease in sales.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Language Use

  • 'Inordinately' is often found in formal writing, making it less common in everyday conversation.
  • Writers use it to emphasize excess, whether in emotions, quantities, or actions.

Psychology

  • Behavior described as inordinate can reflect aspects of compulsivity in decision-making.
  • People may exhibit inordinate behaviors in the context of shopping, eating, or social media use.

Literature

  • Many poets use the term to illustrate exaggerated emotions or experiences, adding depth to their work.
  • In classic literature, characters might show inordinate desires or ambitions, leading to conflicts.

Pop Culture

  • The term has appeared in films and songs, often used to highlight extreme feelings or actions.
  • Social media often features images or posts that showcase inordinate lifestyles, creating trends.

Origin of 'inordinately'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'inordinatus', meaning not ordered or irregular.
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe something disproportionate.

The word 'inordinately' originates from the Latin term 'inordinatus', which is a combination of 'in-', meaning 'not', and 'ordinatus', meaning 'arranged, regulated, or orderly'. The prefix 'in-' negates the root word, indicating a lack of order or moderation. In English, the term began to be used in the mid-17th century, reflecting a growing awareness and concern about excess and imbalance in various contexts, both socially and personally. Over the years, 'inordinately' has been employed in literature and discourse to emphasize the idea of extremes, especially in describing behaviors, emotions, and situations that defy customary standards or expectations.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,061, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.