Why is extraordinary the opposite of ordinary

Why is it that Extraordinary is opposite of ordinary when it looks like it's EXTRA-ordinary?

Boy, I'm glad I'm not learning English as my 1st language

Re: Why is extraordinary the opposite of ordinary

Good point.

Re: Why is extraordinary the opposite of ordinary

It is a strange point, but I guess there is another way of looking at it.

Extra-ordinary could be defined as above and/or beyond the ordinary, not necessarily the opposite of ordinary, which I guess would be 'weird' or 'strange'.

Re: Why is extraordinary the opposite of ordinary

Because it just IS

Re: Why is extraordinary the opposite of ordinary

erm now I come to think about it, I'm not sure it is the opposite

Too late tonight for me to get my brain into gear

Re: Why is extraordinary the opposite of ordinary

Tis ordinary on steroids - if that helps.

Re: Why is extraordinary the opposite of ordinary

Yes, thank you

Re: Why is extraordinary the opposite of ordinary

Why do we have flammable and inflammable, means the same, don't it ...?
As Graham said extra ordinary is above ordinary, that's how I always saw it and I wont be budged on it

Re: Why is extraordinary the opposite of ordinary

It's an additional ordinary

Re: Why is extraordinary the opposite of ordinary

It is