straordinario
Lemma: straordinario
Translation: extraordinary; exceptional; remarkable; special; overtime (adjective)
Etymology: From Latin 'extraordinarius', composed of 'extra' (outside, beyond) + 'ordinarius' (orderly, regular). The word literally means 'outside the ordinary order'. It shares the same Latin roots as the English word 'extraordinary', making them perfect cognates. The concept of something being beyond the normal or expected order is preserved in both languages.
Example Usage
Ha fatto un lavoro straordinario.
He did an exceptional job.
Oggi devo fare due ore di straordinario.
Today I have to work two hours of overtime.
È una persona con qualità straordinarie.
She is a person with extraordinary qualities.
Il governo ha dichiarato lo stato di emergenza straordinario.
The government declared a state of extraordinary emergency.
Questo film è veramente straordinario.
This movie is truly extraordinary.
Devo fare straordinario al lavoro stasera.
I have to work overtime tonight.
È stata convocata una riunione straordinaria.
An extraordinary meeting has been called.
Mnemonics
- Think 'extra-ordinary' - literally something beyond the ordinary.
- Remember that 'straordinario' contains 'ordinario' (ordinary) with 'stra' (beyond) added to it.
- The 'stra' prefix in Italian often intensifies meaning, like 'extra' in English.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Italian workplace contexts, 'straordinario' often refers specifically to overtime work. In general usage, it's commonly used to express admiration or surprise at something exceptional. The term is also used in official contexts to describe special appointments or measures outside normal procedures.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'straordinario' means 'extraordinary' or 'exceptional', 'ordinario' means 'ordinary' or 'regular'. They are antonyms, with 'stra-' acting as an intensifying prefix.
Confused word:
Questa è una procedura ordinaria che seguiamo ogni giorno.
This is an ordinary procedure that we follow every day.
Notes: The prefix 'stra-' in Italian often indicates something that goes beyond the normal limits, similar to 'extra-' in English.
Mnemonic: Remember that 'stra-' works like 'extra-' in English, turning the ordinary into something beyond ordinary.
Explanation: 'Straordinario' means 'extraordinary' or 'exceptional', while 'strano' means 'strange' or 'weird'. Something straordinario is remarkable in a positive way, while strano often has a connotation of oddness or peculiarity.
Confused word:
Il suo comportamento è strano.
His behavior is strange.
Notes: While both words can describe something unusual, 'straordinario' typically has a positive connotation while 'strano' can be neutral or negative.
Mnemonic: Think of 'straordinario' as 'extraordinarily good' and 'strano' as 'strangely different'.