inordinately
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- To an excessive or unusually great degree; extremely: "Inordinately" describes the manner of an action or the degree of a quality, indicating that it is far beyond what is normal, reasonable, or expected.
Usage and Examples
- General Usage: Used to modify adjectives or other adverbs to intensify their meaning to an extreme level.
- The project was inordinately complex, requiring months of specialized work.
- He was inordinately proud of his small garden.
- The wait for the results seemed inordinately long.
Advanced Usage and Nuance
- Connotation: Often carries a slight negative connotation of excessiveness or being disproportionate, though it can be used neutrally.
- She spent an inordinately large amount of money on clothes. (Suggests the amount was unreasonable or excessive.)
- The child was inordinately fond of chocolate. (Suggests a degree of fondness that is unusually strong.)
Variants and Related Words
- Inordinate (Adjective): Exceeding reasonable limits; excessive.
- He took an inordinate amount of time to finish the task.
- Ordinately (Adverb): In a proper, orderly, or moderate manner. (Note: This is a much rarer word and is not the direct opposite in common usage.)
Synonyms
- Exceedingly: To a very great degree.
- Extremely: To a very high degree.
- Excessively: To an unnecessary or unreasonable degree.
- Immoderately: Without moderation; excessively.
- Unusually: In a way that is not common or ordinary.
Antonyms
- Moderately: To a reasonable or average degree.
- Slightly: To a small degree.
- Appropriately: In a suitable or proper manner or degree.
Common Collocations and Phrases
- Inordinately high/low: Used with measurements or levels.
- The fees were inordinately high for the service provided.
- Inordinately long/short: Used with durations.
- The meeting was inordinately long and unproductive.
- Inordinately difficult/easy: Used with tasks or challenges.
- For a beginner, the puzzle was inordinately difficult.
- Inordinately pleased/proud/fond: Used with emotions or attitudes.
- He was inordinately pleased with the compliment.
Adverb
- extremely
- she was inordinately smart
- it will be an extraordinarily painful step to negotiate