Very unusual, special, or surprising; much better or greater than what is normal. It can also describe official roles that are outside the regular pattern, such as a special representative.
From Latin *extraordinarius* ‘outside the usual order’, from *extra* (‘beyond’) and *ordinarius* (‘regular, orderly’). It originally meant something beyond the normal order of things.
If you look closely, it’s literally ‘extra-ordinary’—beyond ordinary. The word reminds us that what feels extraordinary in one era (like flying in the sky) can slowly shift into the ordinary routine of another.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.