Why is the word 'extraordinary' used to describe something that is amazing, when it should just mean something that is more ordinary than everything else?
2006-12-01 06:54:09 · 10 answers · asked by Funky Little Spacegirl 6 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Nope. The 'extra' part here means 'beyond' or 'above', not 'excessively'.
It comes from the Latin 'extraordinarius', from 'extra ordinem'. This means "out of the usual order".
2006-12-01 07:02:17 · answer #1 · answered by Wildamberhoney 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The word means outside the realm of the ordinary. I think it is an OK word. I like it!
2006-12-01 16:18:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Extraordinary is derived from the latin meaning of "extra" which means "outside".
So "extraordinary" is "outside of the ordinary".
2006-12-01 14:59:13 · answer #3 · answered by Kemmy 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it actually means something out of the ordinary and something amazing is usually out of the ordinary
2006-12-01 14:57:28 · answer #4 · answered by G-Unit 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tom B has it right....in this situation, 'extra' really means "beyond" the ordinary rather than "more" ordinary.
2006-12-01 15:03:08 · answer #5 · answered by reeses0502 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have thought too, but when you think about it it's the extra which makes the difference. Extra comes from Latin and means "beyond".
2006-12-01 15:01:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
And what is the deal with airline food! am i right!
Why do they call it a driveway if you park on it!
What is the deal with that!
2006-12-01 15:11:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jerry Seinfeld for you on line one...
2006-12-01 14:57:24 · answer #8 · answered by dr schmitty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this question is more ordinary than everyting else
2006-12-01 14:57:21 · answer #9 · answered by dr_gonzo_1974 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
isn't that ironic?
2006-12-01 15:36:51 · answer #10 · answered by meisastarya 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋