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| Date: | 1400-1500 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Origin: | extraordinarius, from extra ordinem 'out of the usual course', from ordo 'order' |
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ex‧traor‧di‧na‧ry S3 W3
2 very much greater or more impressive than usual [= incredible]: 
a woman of extraordinary beautyan extraordinary talent
a woman of extraordinary beautyan extraordinary talent4 an official employed for a special purpose, in addition to the usual officials
envoy/ambassador/minister extraordinary
PGOWORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE: 
unusual, strange, odd, bizarre, extraordinary, exceptional, remarkableUnusual is neither approving nor disapproving • a suit made of unusual material • an unusual name • Her response was unusual.Strange and odd mean unusual in a way that you cannot understand. They are sometimes used to show slight disapproval or distrust • a very strange man • I found his attitude a bit odd.Bizarre means very unusual, especially in a way that you think is amusing or that is hard to believe • a bizarre haircut Extraordinary can be approving or disapproving, but suggests approval when it is used to describe a person • What an extraordinary idea! (can suggest you strongly disagree) • My mother was an extraordinary woman (=very impressive, talented etc).Exceptional and remarkable often mean unusually good or impressive • a writer of exceptional talent • a remarkable film ➔ See also unusualWORD FOCUS: surprisingWORD FOCUS: surprising
very surprising: amazing, extraordinary, astonishing, astounding, staggering, startling
➔ See also surprising
WORD CHOICE: unusual, strange, odd, bizarre, extraordinary, exceptional, remarkableUnusual is neither approving nor disapproving • a suit made of unusual material • an unusual name • Her response was unusual.Strange and odd mean unusual in a way that you cannot understand. They are sometimes used to show slight disapproval or distrust • a very strange man • I found his attitude a bit odd.Bizarre means very unusual, especially in a way that you think is amusing or that is hard to believe • a bizarre haircut Extraordinary can be approving or disapproving, but suggests approval when it is used to describe a person • What an extraordinary idea! (can suggest you strongly disagree) • My mother was an extraordinary woman (=very impressive, talented etc).Exceptional and remarkable often mean unusually good or impressive • a writer of exceptional talent • a remarkable film ➔ See also unusualWORD FOCUS: surprising
WORD FOCUS: surprising very surprising: amazing, extraordinary, astonishing, astounding, staggering, startling
➔ See also surprising
