Cool MateExtraordinary vs Very unusual
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Extraordinary
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
Very unusual
Top 2,000 (common)
| Extraordinary | Very unusual | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪkˈstrɔːdnri/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪkˈstrɔːrdəneri/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈvɛri ʌnˈjuːʒəl//🇺🇸 //ˈvɛri ʌnˈjuʒəl// |
| Meaning | very unusual or remarkable | something that is not common or normal |
| Example | Her performance was nothing short of extraordinary, captivating the entire audience. | The painting was very unusual, showcasing colors not typically seen in nature. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | appear, be, feel, most, really, truly | very unusual behavior, very unusual pattern, very unusual phenomenon |
| Antonyms | ordinary, common, usual | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'ordinary', thinking they are similar., Using inappropriately in very casual chats; feels too formal., Mispronouncing the word, especially the 'extra-' part. | Using 'very unusual' in overly formal contexts., Confusing 'unusual' with 'unique', which has a different meaning., Omitting the word 'very' in situations where emphasis is needed. |
| Usage notes | Use 'extraordinary' to describe something very special or impressive. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but try to avoid it in everyday casual conversations. | Used when describing something that stands out as different. Suitable for both formal and informal situations but may seem exaggerated in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Extraordinary vs Very unusual
What's the difference between Extraordinary and Very unusual?
Extraordinary: very unusual or remarkable Very unusual: something that is not common or normal
Can you show an example of each?
Extraordinary: Her performance was nothing short of extraordinary, captivating the entire audience. Very unusual: The painting was very unusual, showcasing colors not typically seen in nature.
Can I use Extraordinary and Very unusual interchangeably?
Not always. Extraordinary and Very unusual are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.