extraordinary
/ɪkˈstrɔːdnri/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪkˈstrɔːrdəneri/ (ame, ipa) · /ik-ˈstrȯr-də-ˌner-ē ˌek-strə-ˈȯr-/ (ame, mw)
extraordinary — adjective
- extraordinarypositive
- more extraordinarycomparative
- most extraordinarysuperlative
1. so unusual, surprising, or impressive that people pay special attention to it or
so unusual, surprising, or impressive that people pay special attention to it or talk about it
The chef's extraordinary talent for combining unusual flavours earned her a Michelin star.
collocation: extraordinary talent
It was extraordinary that a ten-year-old could solve a problem most adults found impossible.
extraordinary + that-clause for surprising situations
An extraordinary number of visitors came to the small village festival, filling every street.
The mountain view was so extraordinary that Harper sat down to stare at it.
Apinya received an extraordinary offer — double her current salary plus a company car.
- remarkable
similar in meaning but often highlights that something is worth noticing or commenting on
- incredible
more informal and emotional; suggests the thing is hard to believe
- exceptional
focuses on being much better or greater than average, often in a positive way
- phenomenal
emphasises impressive success or scale, common in reviews and achievements
- ordinary
normal and unremarkable — the direct opposite, sharing the same root
- unremarkable
nothing special or noteworthy
- commonplace
happening or appearing so often that it is not surprising
文法句型
extraordinary + noun
be + extraordinary
so extraordinary + that-clause
用法筆記
Can be used both before a noun ('an extraordinary achievement') and after a linking verb ('the results were extraordinary'). The 'so extraordinary that…' structure is common for expressing cause and effect.
常見錯誤
2. held or called at a time that is not part of the usual schedule, typically about
held or called at a time that is not part of the usual schedule, typically about a meeting or election arranged to handle a particular urgent matter
The board called an extraordinary meeting to discuss the sudden drop in sales.
attributive use: extraordinary meeting
An extraordinary general meeting was held on Tuesday to vote on the policy change.
passive structure: extraordinary general meeting was held
Shareholders demanded an extraordinary election after the CEO resigned without warning.
The union requested an extraordinary session to address safety concerns at the factory.
- special
broader and less formal; does not specifically imply being between regular meetings
- emergency
suggests a crisis or urgent danger rather than just a special purpose
- unscheduled
focuses on the lack of planning rather than the special purpose
文法句型
extraordinary + meeting
extraordinary + election
extraordinary + session
用法筆記
Only used attributively (before a noun). 'The meeting was extraordinary' would mean the meeting itself was remarkable, not that it was an extra unscheduled meeting. Common in corporate, political, and legal contexts.
常見錯誤
3. appointed to a role that exists separately from the regular team or official hie
appointed to a role that exists separately from the regular team or official hierarchy, often for a special project or a limited period of time
Dr. Élise Moreau was appointed extraordinary professor of linguistics at the university.
attributive use: extraordinary professor
The government sent an extraordinary envoy to negotiate the new trade agreement.
attributive use: extraordinary envoy
As an extraordinary ambassador, Asher represented the country at the climate summit.
The university created an extraordinary lectureship for the visiting scholar from Japan.
文法句型
extraordinary + professor
extraordinary + envoy
extraordinary + ambassador
用法筆記
Restricted to formal institutional contexts such as universities, diplomatic missions, and government bodies. Not used in everyday conversation. A person holding an 'extraordinary' role works alongside regular staff but is not part of the permanent establishment.