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REFERENCE

outrageous

adj.
US //aʊˈtɹeɪdʒəs// UK //aʊtɹˈeɪdʒəs// out·ra·geous
  1. 1 shocking and unfair (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    very shocking and unacceptable because it is unfair or wrong.

    grossly offensive to decency or morality; provoking strong indignation.

    Example

    The price of a single bottle of water at the airport was absolutely outrageous.

    Example

    The community was shocked by the outrageous treatment of the elderly residents, leading to a full-scale investigation into the facility's management.

  2. 2 bold and unusual (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    very strange, bold, or unusual in a way that gets a lot of attention.

    exceeding the limits of what is usual or conventional; highly unconventional or provocative.

    Example

    She wore an outrageous hat with bright pink feathers to the wedding.

    Example

    The comedian's outrageous sense of humour often pushed the boundaries of what the network considered appropriate for a prime-time audience.

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  1. 3 extreme or excessive (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    going far beyond what is normal or reasonable.

    transgressing reasonable limits; immoderate or excessive in degree.

    Example

    The company made outrageous demands during the contract negotiations.

    Example

    The CEO's outrageous salary was a point of contention during the annual shareholder meeting, especially given the company's recent losses.

  2. 4 violent or fierce (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    very violent or full of anger.

    characterised by fury or physical violence.

    Example

    The outrageous storm destroyed several small boats in the harbour.

    Example

    The knight was known for his outrageous temper, often striking out at his servants for the smallest of mistakes.

Origin

From Anglo-Norman outrageus, Middle French outrageus, from outrage; equivalent to outrage + -ous.

Word family

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