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Enormously vs. Extraordinarily

What's the Difference?

Enormously and extraordinarily are both adverbs that convey a sense of great magnitude or extent. However, while enormously typically refers to something being very large or immense in size or quantity, extraordinarily often implies something being exceptional, remarkable, or out of the ordinary. Both words can be used to emphasize the degree or intensity of a particular quality or characteristic, but they may be used in slightly different contexts depending on the specific connotation or nuance desired.

Comparison

AttributeEnormouslyExtraordinarily
DefinitionExtremely large in size or amountRemarkably or surpassingly great
SynonymsTremendously, vastly, hugelyRemarkably, incredibly, exceptionally
UsageCommonly used to emphasize the extent of somethingOften used to describe something that is beyond what is usual or expected

Further Detail

Definition

Enormously and extraordinarily are both adverbs that are used to emphasize the degree or extent of something. Enormously is typically used to describe something that is very large or great in size, amount, or degree. Extraordinarily, on the other hand, is used to describe something that is beyond what is usual, ordinary, or expected.

Usage

Enormously is often used to emphasize the magnitude of something, such as "She was enormously talented" or "The company's profits grew enormously last year." Extraordinarily, on the other hand, is used to emphasize the exceptional or remarkable nature of something, as in "He was an extraordinarily gifted musician" or "The team's performance was extraordinarily good."

Intensity

Enormously tends to convey a sense of size or quantity, emphasizing the sheer magnitude of something. For example, "The mountain was enormously tall" or "The project required an enormously large amount of resources." Extraordinarily, on the other hand, conveys a sense of uniqueness or exceptionality, highlighting the remarkable or unusual nature of something. For instance, "The painting was extraordinarily beautiful" or "She had an extraordinarily rare talent."

Impact

When something is described as enormously, it suggests a significant impact or effect due to its size or scale. For example, "The hurricane caused an enormously destructive path" or "The new policy had an enormously positive impact on the community." Extraordinarily, on the other hand, implies a profound impact or effect due to its exceptional or remarkable nature. For instance, "The discovery was extraordinarily groundbreaking" or "Her generosity was extraordinarily touching."

Variability

Enormously is often used to describe things that can be quantified or measured in terms of size, amount, or degree. It is commonly used with adjectives such as large, big, huge, or vast. For example, "The company experienced an enormously successful year" or "The project required an enormously high level of expertise." Extraordinarily, on the other hand, is used to describe things that are more qualitative or subjective in nature, such as talent, beauty, or rarity. For instance, "She had an extraordinarily beautiful voice" or "The team's performance was extraordinarily impressive."

Conclusion

While enormously and extraordinarily are both adverbs used to emphasize the degree or extent of something, they have distinct differences in terms of usage, intensity, impact, and variability. Enormously tends to emphasize size or quantity, while extraordinarily emphasizes uniqueness or exceptionality. Understanding the nuances of these two adverbs can help writers and speakers convey their intended meaning with precision and clarity.

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