extraordinary

[ik-strawr-dn-er-ee, ek-struh-awr-] /ɪkˈstrɔr dnˌɛr i, ˌɛk strəˈɔr-/
adjective
1.
beyond what is usual, ordinary, regular, or established:
extraordinary costs.
2.
exceptional in character, amount, extent, degree, etc.; noteworthy; remarkable:
extraordinary speed; an extraordinary man.
3.
(of an official, employee, etc.) outside of or additional to the ordinary staff; having a special, often temporary task or responsibility:
minister extraordinary and plenipotentiary.
Origin
1425-75; late Middle English extraordinarie < Latin extrāordinārius beyond what is ordinary. See extra-, ordinary
Related forms
extraordinarily
[ik-strawr-dn-air-uh-lee, ek-struh-awr-] /ɪkˌstrɔr dnˈɛər ə li, ˌɛk strəˌɔr-/ (Show IPA),
adverb
extraordinariness, noun
unextraordinary, adjective
Synonyms
1. inordinate. 2. uncommon, singular, rare, phenomenal, special, signal.
Antonyms
1, 2. common, usual.
Examples from the web for extraordinary
  • Throughout history ordinary humans have become extraordinary by reacting to danger with unimaginable courage.
  • I'm an extraordinary team player.
  • So extraordinary missions require extraordinary men and extraordinary methods for finding them.
  • Scott had an extraordinary childhood.
  • He has been an extraordinary warrior on behalf of the American people.
  • Comprehensive and stirring, this extraordinary book is whistle-blowing at its finest.
  • Such extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures.
  • Real heros are everyday people who do extraordinary things.
  • She has a rich, elegant voice and an extraordinary knack for controlling it.
  • Both were extraordinary editors and wonderful teachers.
British Dictionary definitions for extraordinary

extraordinary

/ɪkˈstrɔːdənrɪ; -dənərɪ/
adjective
1.
very unusual, remarkable, or surprising
2.
not in an established manner, course, or order
3.
employed for particular events or purposes
4.
(usually postpositive) (of an official, etc) additional or subordinate to the usual one: a minister extraordinary
Derived Forms
extraordinarily, adverb
extraordinariness, noun
Word Origin
C15: from Latin extraordinārius beyond what is usual; see ordinary
Word Origin and History for extraordinary
adj.

early 15c., from Latin extraordinarius "out of the common order," from extra ordinem "out of order," especially the usual order, from extra "out" (see extra-) + ordinem (nominative ordo) "order" (see order). Related: Extraordinarily.