The word “extraordinary” can seem like it should mean “extra” in the sense of something being more or beyond the ordinary, but it actually has a different, more nuanced meaning. To understand why it doesn’t simply mean “extra,” let’s break down the word and its historical development.
Breaking Down “Extraordinary”:
- “Extra-“: This prefix comes from the Latin word extra, meaning “outside” or “beyond.”
- “Ordinary”: Comes from the Latin ordinarius, meaning “regular” or “usual.”
So, when we combine the two parts:
- “Extraordinary” literally means “outside the ordinary” or “beyond what is ordinary.”
Why It Doesn’t Just Mean “Extra”:
In modern English, “extra” often means something additional or more than usual. For example, if you get “extra” toppings on a pizza, you are getting more than the standard amount. This seems similar to how extra is used in extraordinary, but the meanings diverge in the context of the word.
The Key Point:
- Extraordinary doesn’t simply mean “more” or “additional” but refers to something that stands apart from the usual or typical, in a remarkable or exceptional way.
- It refers to something out of the ordinary — in other words, something so remarkable or exceptional that it transcends the ordinary, not just something added or more.
The Evolution of “Extraordinary” in English:
- Historically, the word “extraordinary” has evolved to mean something remarkably different or exceptionally good, not just something more or added.
- Early uses of the word (dating back to the 16th century) focused on the idea of beyond the ordinary in a sense of uniqueness or distinction, rather than just more of the same.
Example of Context:
- “Extraordinary”:
- When we say “That was an extraordinary performance,” we mean that it was so remarkable, so far beyond the usual standard, that it can’t simply be described as more of the same — it’s unique or exceptional in quality.
- “Extra”:
- If you say “I ordered extra cheese,” it means you ordered more than usual, but it doesn’t imply any change in the fundamental nature of the cheese — it’s simply more.
Summary:
While “extra” can mean “more,” “extraordinary” means “beyond ordinary” in terms of distinction or exceptionality, not simply being extra or additional. The word reflects something that stands out in a remarkable way, not just more of something.