extracurricular
/ˌekstrəkəˈrɪkjələ(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌekstrəkəˈrɪkjələr/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌek-strə-kə-ˈri-kyə-lər/ (ame, mw)
extracurricular — adjective
- extracurricularpositive
- more extracurricularcomparative
- most extracurricularsuperlative
1. describes learning experiences that students choose to do beyond the set program
describes learning experiences that students choose to do beyond the set programme of their formal education — such as sports teams, music groups, or volunteer work.
Mei-Lin joined three extracurricular clubs in her first year at Taipei High School.
extracurricular + noun: clubs, activities, programs
The school encourages students to take part in extracurricular programs like debate and music.
passive: be encouraged to + extracurricular programs
Diego's extracurricular interests include photography and volunteering at the local library.
Although the art class was an extracurricular subject, Fatima treated it as seriously as her math lessons.
Kenji discovered his passion for environmental science through an extracurricular field trip to a wetland.
- after-school
more specific to activities that happen immediately after school hours; 'extracurricular' includes weekends and holidays too
- non-academic
focuses on the contrast with schoolwork; slightly more formal and narrower (usually excludes sports)
- optional
emphasises that the activity is not required, but does not specifically link to school context
- curricular
directly opposite; refers to subjects that are part of the official course of study
- academic
refers to the formal learning programme rather than voluntary activities
文法句型
extracurricular + noun (activity / program / club / subject)
用法筆記
Always placed before the noun it describes — you cannot say 'This club is extracurricular' in standard usage, though 'extracurricular activity' and 'extracurricular program' are common.
常見錯誤
2. describes activities or relationships that a person keeps separate from their ma
describes activities or relationships that a person keeps separate from their main job, professional role, or primary relationship, often done discreetly.
The mayor's extracurricular business deals were uncovered by a local news reporter.
extracurricular + noun: business deals / activities (secret/unofficial sense)
Wei runs a small online store as an extracurricular project alongside a full-time accounting job.
Detective Elena Okafor kept her extracurricular work as a private investigator separate from her police duties.
The tabloid published details of the celebrity's extracurricular relationships, causing a public scandal.
Jamal uses his graphic design skills for extracurricular freelance projects in the evenings.
- side
more neutral and common ('side project', 'side business'); less loaded than 'extracurricular'
- unofficial
focuses on the lack of formal approval rather than secrecy
- extra
shorter and more casual ('extra work', 'extra income'); does not carry the same hint of wrongdoing
文法句型
extracurricular + noun (activities / dealings / projects)
用法筆記
Commonly used euphemistically for a romantic or sexual relationship outside a marriage or committed partnership, though it can also describe any side activity kept separate from one's main profession. The context (workplace, politics, relationships) makes the meaning clear — without it, readers default to the school sense.