How to pronounce extraordinary
Say it like ik-STROR-duh-ner-ee. Extraordinary has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STROR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce extraordinary. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ik
- STROR
- duh
- ner
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Extraordinary pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- STRORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- nerGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of extraordinary
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ik-STRAW-dih-nuh-ree.
What does extraordinary mean?
- beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable“extraordinary authority”“an extraordinary achievement”
- far more than usual or expected“an extraordinary desire for approval”“it was an over-the-top experience”
- (of an official) serving an unusual or special function in addition to those of the regular officials“an ambassador extraordinary”
Where does extraordinary come from?
From Latin extrāōrdinārius, from extrā ōrdinem (“outside the order”).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying extraordinary
How do you pronounce extraordinary?
Say ik-STROR-duh-ner-ee. The American pronunciation is /ɪkˈstrɔrdəˌnɛri/. In British English it is /ɪkˈstrɔːdɪnəri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in extraordinary?
Extraordinary has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (STROR). Broken into parts: ik · STROR · duh · ner · ee.
Is extraordinary pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ɪkˈstrɔːdɪnəri/ (ik-STRAW-dih-nuh-ree).