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extra

adj. · n. · adv.
US //ˈɛkstɹə// UK //ˈɛkstɹɐ// ex·tra
  1. 1 additional (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    more than what is usual, expected, or necessary.

    denoting something that is beyond what is due, usual, or necessary; supplementary.

    Example

    If you are still hungry, there is some extra bread in the kitchen.

    Example

    The project required extra funding to cover the unforeseen costs of environmental testing and site preparation.

  2. 2 dramatic or over the top (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Slang Informal

    behaving in a way that is too dramatic or trying too hard to get attention.

    excessive or over the top in behavior, appearance, or reaction; often used to describe someone seeking attention through drama.

    Example

    She is so extra; she wore a ball gown just to go to the grocery store.

    Example

    His reaction to the minor criticism was a bit extra, involving a three-page email and a public apology he didn't need to give.

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  1. 3 an added item (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    something added to a basic product or service that usually costs more money.

    an item or feature added to a standard version of a product, often incurring an additional charge.

    Example

    The car comes with air conditioning, but leather seats are an extra.

    Example

    When booking the holiday package, we had to pay for several extras, including airport transfers and guided city tours.

  2. 4 background actor (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Theatre

    a person in a movie or play who has a small, non-speaking part in the background.

    a person hired to act in a group or background scene in a film or theatrical production, typically without speaking lines.

    Example

    He worked as an extra in a big battle scene for a historical movie.

    Example

    The production required hundreds of extras to create the illusion of a crowded Victorian marketplace.

    • walk on
    • supernumerary
  3. 5 military punishment (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Dialect Technical Military

    an additional task or duty given to a soldier as a punishment.

    a period of additional duty or labor assigned to military personnel as a disciplinary measure.

    Example

    He had to pull an extra over the weekend because he was late for parade.

    Example

    The sergeant assigned him three extras for failing the equipment inspection twice in one week.

    Usage

    Common in Singaporean and some Commonwealth military contexts.

  4. 6 very or especially (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    used to mean 'very' or 'more than usual'.

    used as an intensifier to mean to an extraordinary or exceptional degree.

    Example

    You need to be extra careful when driving in the snow.

    Example

    The chef was extra diligent about hygiene standards during the health inspection.

Origin

Abbreviation of extraordinary.

Word family
Idioms2 entries

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