Exorbitant

Adjective

Definition: Much too high or great; excessive.

Synonyms: Extravagant, Unreasonable, Outrageous

Antonyms: Reasonable, Affordable, Modest

Examples:
  • The price they were asking for that car was exorbitant.
  • The exorbitant interest rates on the loan made it impossible for her to repay.
Mnemonics:
  • Exorbitant sounds like "exorbitance", which emphasizes the excessive nature of something.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "exorbitant" comes from the Latin word "exorbitans" (present participle of exorbitare) meaning "to deviate, go beyond the bounds."

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe something that exceeds usual or proper limits.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Exorbitant prices"

Explanation:

Referring to prices that are unreasonably high and beyond what is considered reasonable or fair.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "exorbitant" with "expensive".

Explanation:

While "exorbitant" often describes something that is expensive, it specifically implies that the price or cost is excessively and unreasonably high, going beyond what is considered normal or justified. It emphasizes the unreasonable nature of the cost, not just the fact that it is expensive.

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