extraordinary

Extraordinary is an adjective that describes something highly unusual, remarkable, or outside the ordinary range of experience. It can refer to quality, degree, or occurrence and is often used to indicate something that exceeds normal expectations. While frequently positive or neutral, the word can also function descriptively without making a value judgment, depending on context.

Etymology: The term derives from Medieval Latin extraordinarīus, from extra 'outside' + ordinārius 'ordinary.' The English form appeared in the 16th century, originally conveying that something lay beyond the ordinary or customary order. The adverb form extraordinarily exists and is used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

Usage: Ordinary contrasts with extraordinary. Common collocations include extraordinary talent, extraordinary weather, extraordinary circumstances, and extraordinary results. In formal language such as law or journalism, the term can signal a departure from routine procedures or expectations. The maxim extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence is frequently cited to emphasize the need for strong proof for unusual propositions.

Nuance and scope: Extraordinary does not inherently imply the miraculous or supernatural, though such interpretations are possible in religious or mythic contexts. It can describe something simply atypical or exceptional in degree, performance, or scale. The adverb extraordinarily and related words such as exceptional, remarkable, or unusual are often near-synonyms but carry distinct connotations and levels of emphasis.