extraordinary
gb/ɪkstɹˈɔɹdɪnˌɛɹi/ us/ɪkstɹˈɔɹdɪnˌɛɹi/
B1
English
~ 3000
rendkívüli, kivételes, különleges
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[something] is extraordinary
Her performance in the play was truly extraordinary.
A darabban nyújtott alakítása igazán rendkívüli volt.
We had an extraordinary view of the mountains from our hotel.
A szállodánkból egészen különleges kilátás nyílt a hegyekre.
The rescue team showed extraordinary courage during the mission.
That painting has an extraordinary use of color.
He has an extraordinary ability to remember details.
Learner examples
The food at that restaurant is extraordinary.
Abban az étteremben kivételesen jó az étel.
She told us an extraordinary story.
Egy rendkívüli történetet mesélt nekünk.
He is an extraordinary student.
They live in an extraordinary house.
We saw an extraordinary sunset.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'extraordinary' with 'extra' meaning 'additional'. They are unrelated in meaning.
Meaning
Extremely unusual or remarkable
Collocations
extraordinary talent
|extraordinary achievement
|extraordinary story
|extraordinary circumstances
|extraordinary beauty
Synonyms
remarkable (Slightly less intense than 'extraordinary', but similarly means worth noticing.)
|
exceptional (Highlights being much better than average, often in ability or quality.)
Antonyms
ordinary (Means common or usual, lacking special qualities.)
|
average (Implies typical or standard, not outstanding.)
Themes
descriptions
|emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Very different from normal and very good or special.
Very unusual, impressive, or surprising in a way that is not typical.
B2
FORMAL
2
rendkívüli
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is an extraordinary [position/title]
The president called an extraordinary meeting of the council.
Az elnök rendkívüli tanácsülést hívott össze.
He was appointed ambassador extraordinary to handle the crisis.
A válság kezelésére rendkívüli nagykövetté nevezték ki.
The committee held an extraordinary session to address the emergency.
Learner examples
The school had an extraordinary meeting to talk about safety.
Az iskola rendkívüli értekezletet tartott, hogy a biztonságról beszéljenek.
She is an extraordinary ambassador for her country.
Ő hazája rendkívüli nagykövete.
The mayor called an extraordinary session of the city council.
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'extraordinary' here to mean simply 'very good', but in formal contexts it can refer to special legal or official status.
Meaning
Beyond normal scope or authority
Collocations
extraordinary meeting
|extraordinary ambassador
|extraordinary session
Synonyms
special (General word meaning not ordinary; less formal than 'extraordinary' in this sense.)
Antonyms
regular (Describes something standard or ordinary, without special status.)
Themes
government
|law
|business
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Having special power or job not usual for most people.
Having special powers, duties, or status that go beyond the usual limits, often used for official roles or events.
Grammar
Dictionary form
extraordinary
IPA
GB/ɪkstɹˈɔɹdɪnˌɛɹi/
US/ɪkstɹˈɔɹdɪnˌɛɹi/
Syllables & stress
ex - traordin - ary (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (traordin)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: extraordinary
Word family
Core family
extraordinarily
adverb B2
Negative and opposite forms
ordinary
adjective A2
Advanced or less common
extraordinariness
noun
Expressions
ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary
1/æmbˈæsədɚ ɪkstɹˈɔɹdɪnˌɛɹi ˈænd plˈɛnɪpoʊtˈɛntˈɪɹi/
fixed phrase
formal
Highest-ranking diplomat with full authority
A top diplomat who has full power to speak for their country in another country.
Examples
- She was appointed ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to France.
- He served as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary for over a decade.
extraordinary circumstances
1/ɪkstɹˈɔɹdɪnˌɛɹi sˈɚkəmstˌænsɪz/
fixed phrase
Unusual and serious conditions
Special and serious situations that are not normal.
Examples
- The rules can be changed only under extraordinary circumstances.
- Extraordinary circumstances forced them to cancel the event.
extraordinary measures
1/ɪkstɹˈɔɹdɪnˌɛɹi mˈɛʒɚz/
fixed phrase
Actions beyond normal methods
Special actions done because normal ways are not enough.
Examples
- The government took extraordinary measures to protect public health.
- Extraordinary measures were needed to save the company from bankruptcy.