extraordinary

Definitions

extra- (beyond, outside) + ordinary (within the usual order) = 'outside the normal order.' Anything that steps out of the expected row stands out — so 'beyond the ordinary' became 'remarkable, exceptional.' The contrast with ordinary is built right into the spelling.

Why It Means This

extraordinary is the mirror image of ordinary, and the spelling tells the whole story: ordinary = 'in the usual order,' extra- = 'beyond.' So extraordinary literally means standing outside the normal row of things. What leaves the ordinary line is, by definition, the thing that catches the eye — which is how 'outside the order' slid into 'amazing.'

Common Collocations

• 1.extraordinary talent非凡的才华
• 2.an extraordinary achievement非凡的成就
• 3.extraordinary circumstances特殊情况
• 4.an extraordinary meeting临时会议

Example Sentences

• 1.

  She showed extraordinary courage in rescuing the trapped child.

• 2.

  It's extraordinary how quickly the city rebuilt after the quake.

• 3.

  The board called an extraordinary meeting to discuss the crisis.

Synonym Comparison