Exorbitant

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪɡˈzɔːbɪtənt/

Definitions

• Excessively high or unreasonable in amount, cost, or degree.
• Going beyond what is normal, appropriate, or acceptable, especially in price or demand.

Usage Examples

• The exorbitant cost of living in the city forced many families to move to more affordable areas.
• They demanded an exorbitant fee for the service, which was much higher than expected.

Etymology

From Latin "exorbitantem," the present participle of "exorbitare," meaning "to deviate from the usual course." It combines "ex-" meaning "out of" and "orbita" meaning "course, track." The word began to be used in English in the 16th century to describe things that were excessively out of the ordinary or beyond reason.

Synonyms

• Excessive
• Outrageous
• Unreasonable
• Exorbitancy
• Extravagant

Antonyms

• Reasonable
• Moderate
• Affordable
• Fair

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the pronunciation /ɪɡˈzɔːbɪtənt/ is common, with a slightly softer "r" sound.
• In American English, the pronunciation /ɪɡˈzɔːbɪtənt/ is typically used with a clearer stress on the second syllable.

Historical Usage

The term "exorbitant" was first used in English in the 16th century, derived from the Latin "exorbitare" (to deviate from the usual course). Initially, it referred to something that deviated excessively from the normal path. Over time, it became associated with anything that was unusually high or excessive, especially with regard to prices and demands.

Cultural Nuances

Exorbitant often carries a negative connotation, typically implying greed, injustice, or imbalance. In modern society, it is frequently used in discussions about economic inequality, overpricing, or corporate greed. Cultural perceptions of exorbitance can differ, with some cultures viewing extravagant spending as a sign of success, while others criticize it as wasteful or immoral.

More Information

Exorbitant refers to anything that is excessively high, unreasonable, or beyond normal expectations. The term is often used in relation to pricing, fees, and demands that are considered to be unjustifiably high. It can also refer to behavior or actions that are seen as far beyond the ordinary or acceptable standards. While it has negative connotations in most contexts, exorbitant can sometimes be used for emphasis when discussing extreme cases of abundance, whether in wealth, power, or expectation.