释义 |
ex·traor·di·nary I. \-erē, -eri sometimes -dˌner-\ adjective Etymology: Middle English extraordinarie, from Latin extraordinarius, from extra, adverb & preposition, outside, beyond (as in extra ordinem out of course, in an extraordinary manner) + ordinarius ordinary — more at extra-, ordinary 1. a. : more than ordinary : not of the ordinary order or pattern < ordinary and extraordinary expenses > : going beyond what is usual, regular, common, or customary : not following the general pattern or norm < held the office for an extraordinary period of time > < giving extraordinary powers to the president > b. (1) : exceptional to a very marked extent : most unusual : far from common < enjoying extraordinary popularity > < an extraordinary capacity for work > : very outstanding < an extraordinary leader > : very remarkable < extraordinary technical progress > : rarely equaled : singular, phenomenal < a woman of extraordinary beauty > : strikingly impressive : arresting < an extraordinary family resemblance > (2) : having little or no precedent and usually totally unexpected < an extraordinary combination of circumstances > (3) : very curious, strange, or surprising : amazing < how extraordinary that she should not understand > 2. a. : of, relating to, or having the degree of care, caution, or diligence typical of that exercised by an extremely prudent person < revealing an extraordinary foresight > b. : of, relating to, or having the nature of a proceeding or action not normally required by law or not prescribed for the regular administration of the law < an extraordinary session of a legislature > < an extraordinary court > < extraordinary jurisdiction > c. : of, relating to, or having the nature of an occurrence (as an accident or casualty) or risk of a kind other than what ordinary experience or prudence would foresee 3. a. : serving in addition to the regular officials or employees : having a special and usually occasional rather than regular function : entrusted with a special responsibility : employed for or sent upon an unusual service < an ambassador extraordinary > b. obsolete : extra II. noun archaic : something extraordinary III. adverb archaic : extraordinarily < the quite extraordinary large quantity of furniture — Osbert Lancaster > |