English Reference
adjective · noun · adverb

extra

adj. · n. · adv.
US /ˈɛkstɹə/ UK /ˈɛkstɹɐ/ ex·tra UK spelling extras

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    adj.more than what is usual, expected, or necessary.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate SlangInformal

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

    low keyunderstated
  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate Theatre

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    walk onsupernumerary
  5. 05 C2 Proficiency DialectTechnical Military

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    Usage

    Common in Singaporean and some Commonwealth military contexts.

  6. 06 B1 Intermediate Informal

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

Usage extra costs · extra time · extra cash


Abbreviation of extraordinary.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated