Outrageous: meaning, definitions and examples

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outrageous

[aʊtˈreɪdʒəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

behavior

shocking, extremely bold or unusual; scandalous

Synonyms

bold, scandalous, shocking, unusual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outrageous	Used when describing something that is extremely unusual or unacceptable, often causing a strong reaction. Her outfit was outrageous. The price of the concert tickets is outrageous.
shocking	Used to describe something that is surprising in a very bad or unacceptable way, often causing fear or disgust. The news of the accident was shocking. His rude comments were shocking to everyone.
scandalous	Used to describe something that shocks people because it is morally wrong or inappropriate, often related to gossip or public figures. Negative connotation. The politician's scandalous behavior was all over the news. Her scandalous affair ruined her reputation.
bold	Used when referring to someone who is willing to take risks; also can describe bright, strong colors. His bold decision paid off. She wore a bold red dress.
unusual	Used to describe something that is not common or ordinary, often in a neutral or positive way. It's unusual to see snow in this region. He has an unusual hobby of collecting rare coins.

Examples of usage

The outrageous behavior of the celebrity made headlines around the world.
His outrageous comments offended many people at the event.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

cost

excessive, greatly exceeding what is considered reasonable or acceptable

Synonyms

excessive, exorbitant, extreme, overpriced, unreasonable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outrageous	Used when something is very shocking or extreme in an unacceptable way. The price they are charging for that old car is outrageous. His behavior at the party was simply outrageous.
excessive	Used to describe something that is too much or more than necessary. His spending on luxury items is excessive. The amount of homework the teacher assigned was excessive.
exorbitant	Typically used to describe prices or demands that are unreasonably high. The hotel charges an exorbitant rate for a single room. The cost of a movie ticket these days is exorbitant.
unreasonable	Used when something is not fair, acceptable, or sensible. It is unreasonable to expect her to finish the project in one day. His demands in the negotiation were completely unreasonable.
extreme	Used in various contexts to describe something that is far beyond normal limits. They took extreme measures to ensure the safety of the event. Jenny has an extreme fear of spiders.
overpriced	Used to describe something that costs more than it should. The shirt was nice, but it was overpriced. I think gadgets from that store are always overpriced.

Examples of usage

The restaurant charged an outrageous amount for a simple salad.
The price of the designer bag was simply outrageous.

^{Context #3 | Adverb}

emphasis

to an extreme or very great degree

Synonyms

excessively, extremely, greatly, intensely, vividly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
outrageous	Use when describing something that is shockingly bad or excessive, often with a negative connotation. The price of that dress is simply outrageous! His behavior at the party was outrageous and unacceptable.
extremely	Used to describe something to a very great degree, generally in a neutral or positive context. The weather is extremely cold today. She is extremely talented in playing the piano.
excessively	Applied when something is beyond normal limits or done to an unnecessary degree, usually context has a negative implication. She talks excessively during meetings, which is distracting. Eating excessively can lead to health problems.
intensely	Refers to something done with strong force or feeling, often used in emotional or physical contexts. She stared at him intensely, trying to read his thoughts. He is intensely passionate about his work.
greatly	A more formal term to express a significant degree, often found in written or formal spoken contexts. I greatly appreciate your help. His contributions were greatly valued by the team.
vividly	Describes something done in a way that produces strong, clear images or feelings; often used in storytelling or descriptive contexts. She vividly remembers her childhood holidays. The novel describes the scenery so vividly, you can almost see it.

Examples of usage

He was laughing outrageously at the comedian's jokes.
The singer performed outrageously well at the concert.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'ultra', meaning 'beyond', and 'rage', which refers to strong feelings.
It first appeared in the English language in the 18th century, reflecting a period of significant social upheaval.

Pop Culture

The term became popular during the 1960s and 70s, often used to describe shocking fashion statements or rebellious attitudes.
It has been used in the titles of songs, movies, and even as a descriptor for reality TV drama, further cementing its place in modern culture.

Psychology

Reactions to outrageous behavior can evoke strong emotions, including laughter, anger, or disbelief.
Psychologists suggest that outrageous acts often serve as social commentary, pushing boundaries and challenging norms.

Literature

In literature, characters exhibiting outrageous behaviors often serve to highlight societal follies, eliciting both humor and critique.
The outrageous can be a powerful vehicle for satire, allowing authors to address serious issues in an exaggerated manner.

History

Throughout history, various movements have been described as outrageous for their radical ideas and actions, prompting significant change.
Several famous historically outrageous events, such as the Boston Tea Party, directly challenged norms and paved the way for new societal structures.

Translations

Translations of the word "outrageous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escandaloso

🇮🇳 अपमानजनक

🇩🇪 empörend

🇮🇩 memalukan

🇺🇦 обурливий

🇵🇱 oburzający

🇯🇵 法外な

🇫🇷 scandaleux

🇪🇸 escandaloso

🇹🇷 rezil

🇰🇷 터무니없는

🇸🇦 شائن

🇨🇿 pobouřující

🇸🇰 poburujúci

🇨🇳 离谱的

🇸🇮 škandalozen

🇮🇸 hneykslanlegur

🇰🇿 масқаралау

🇬🇪 აღშფოთებული

🇦🇿 qəddar

🇲🇽 escandaloso

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,662, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
12659 imitated
12660 nun
12661 overwhelmingly
12662 outrageous
12663 degrading
12664 scissors
12665 yolk
...