extraordinary
adj. · n.-
1 unusual or surprising (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatevery unusual or strange in a way that attracts your attention.
deviating from what is ordinary, usual, or expected; highly atypical.
ExampleIt was an extraordinary coincidence that we both wore the same dress to the party.
ExampleThe witness provided an extraordinary account of the events, describing details that seemed to defy the laws of physics.
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2 remarkably good (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediateextremely good or impressive.
surpassing the usual standards of excellence; exceptionally high in quality.
ExampleThe young pianist gave an extraordinary performance that left the audience in tears.
ExampleHer extraordinary talent for diplomacy allowed the two nations to reach an agreement after years of stalemate.
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3 special or additional (adj.) C1 Advanced Formalused to describe a person or meeting that is extra or has a special purpose.
employed or convoked for a special purpose or in addition to the regular staff or schedule.
ExampleThe company called an extraordinary meeting to discuss the sudden merger.
ExampleThe board of directors convened an extraordinary general meeting to address the urgent liquidity crisis facing the firm.
UsageOften follows the noun in official titles, such as 'Ambassador Extraordinary'.
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4 the unusual (n.) C2 Proficiency Literarysomething that is not normal or ordinary.
that which lies outside the bounds of ordinary experience or occurrence.
ExampleIn his stories, the extraordinary becomes part of everyday life.
ExampleThe poet sought to find the extraordinary within the mundane, elevating simple daily tasks to the level of the divine.
From Latin extrāōrdinārius, from extrā ōrdinem (“outside the order”). By surface analysis, extra- + ordinary. Doublet of extraordinaire.
- Adjectiveextraordinary
- Adverbextraordinarily