Here are some synonyms of "extraordinary" and an analysis of their meanings and usage:
1. Exceptional
- Meaning: "Exceptional" means unusual, outstanding, or not typical. It implies that something or someone stands out from the ordinary or the norm due to its high quality, special characteristics, or remarkable performance. For example, "The athlete's exceptional speed and agility made him a star in the team."
- Usage difference from "extraordinary": "Exceptional" often emphasizes the aspect of being above and beyond what is normally expected in a particular context. It's frequently used to describe skills, abilities, or qualities. "Extraordinary" has a broader sense and can also refer to strange, unanticipated, or supernatural elements. An exceptional student is one who excels in academics, while an extraordinary event could be something like a meteor shower that is both unusual and awe - inspiring.
2. Remarkable
- Meaning: "Remarkable" means worthy of attention or notice; extraordinary in a way that causes people to make a comment or take notice. It emphasizes the impact that something has on observers. For example, "The remarkable recovery of the patient after a serious illness surprised the medical team."
- Usage difference from "extraordinary": "Remarkable" focuses on the idea of being noticeable and eliciting remarks. It's more about the reaction of others. "Extraordinary" can describe a state or a quality that may or may not be immediately observed. A remarkable discovery is one that people talk about, while an extraordinary power (like a superpower in a fictional story) might be a latent ability that isn't always on display.
3. Outstanding
- Meaning: "Outstanding" means exceptionally good, prominent, or conspicuous. It implies a high level of achievement or superiority in a particular field or aspect. For example, "The company received an award for its outstanding customer service."
- Usage difference from "extraordinary": "Outstanding" is more often used to denote excellence in a positive, evaluative sense. It's commonly associated with performance, achievement, or qualities that are highly regarded. "Extraordinary" can have a more neutral or even negative connotation when it comes to things that are simply very strange or beyond the normal scope. An outstanding work of art is praised for its quality, while an extraordinary occurrence might be a natural disaster that is far from positive but is still outside the ordinary.
4. Phenomenal
- Meaning: "Phenomenal" means very remarkable, extraordinary, or exceptional, often in a way that is almost beyond belief. It's used to describe things that are so impressive or unusual that they seem almost like a phenomenon. For example, "The singer's phenomenal vocal range left the audience in awe."
- Usage difference from "extraordinary": "Phenomenal" intensifies the sense of being extraordinary. It's used to emphasize the almost superlative nature of something. It's more likely to be used for things that have a wow factor. "Extraordinary" can be a more general term for something that is simply out of the ordinary. A phenomenal display of fireworks is an extremely impressive and memorable event, while an extraordinary coincidence might just be an unusual occurrence that catches your attention.
5. Prodigious
- Meaning: "Prodigious" means enormous, immense, or extraordinary in size, degree, or extent. It can also refer to something that shows great talent or ability at a young age. For example, "The prodigious talent of the child pianist amazed the judges."
- Usage difference from "extraordinary": "Prodigious" often emphasizes the magnitude or scale of something, whether it's a physical quantity or a level of talent. "Extraordinary" is more about the deviation from the ordinary in a more general sense. A prodigious amount of work implies a vast quantity, while an extraordinary feat might focus more on the uniqueness or unexpectedness of the accomplishment.