Extraordinarily vs. Extremely

Attribute	Extraordinarily	Extremely
Definition	to a very high degree or extent	to a very great degree; very
Intensity	Very intense or extreme	Intense or extreme
Usage	Less common in everyday language	More commonly used in everyday language
Emphasis	Emphasizes the extreme nature of something	Emphasizes the high degree of something

Definition

Extraordinarily and extremely are both adverbs that are used to intensify the meaning of an adjective or another adverb. However, there is a subtle difference in their usage. Extraordinarily is often used to emphasize something that is beyond what is usual or ordinary, while extremely is used to emphasize the degree or extent of something. For example, you might say "She is extraordinarily talented" to emphasize how exceptional her talent is, while you might say "She is extremely talented" to emphasize the high level of her talent.

Intensity

One key difference between extraordinarily and extremely is the level of intensity they convey. Extraordinarily tends to convey a sense of something being remarkable, exceptional, or out of the ordinary. It suggests that something is beyond what is typically expected. On the other hand, extremely simply conveys a high degree or intensity of something without necessarily implying that it is extraordinary. For example, you might say "The weather is extremely hot" to emphasize the high temperature, but not necessarily that it is unusual or remarkable.

Usage

Extraordinarily is often used in contexts where something is truly exceptional or remarkable. It is typically used to describe qualities or characteristics that are rare or uncommon. For example, you might say "He is extraordinarily kind" to emphasize how unusually kind he is compared to others. On the other hand, extremely is more commonly used to simply emphasize the degree or intensity of something without necessarily implying that it is extraordinary. For example, you might say "The movie was extremely long" to emphasize the length of the movie without suggesting that it was unusually long.

Emphasis

When choosing between extraordinarily and extremely, it is important to consider the level of emphasis you want to convey. If you want to emphasize that something is truly exceptional or out of the ordinary, then extraordinarily would be the better choice. However, if you simply want to emphasize the high degree or intensity of something without implying that it is extraordinary, then extremely would be more appropriate. Consider the context and the message you want to convey when deciding which adverb to use.

Impact

The impact of using extraordinarily versus extremely can also differ in terms of how the statement is perceived by the listener or reader. When you use extraordinarily, it can create a sense of awe, wonder, or admiration for the exceptional quality being described. It can make the statement more memorable and impactful. On the other hand, using extremely may simply convey a sense of intensity without necessarily evoking the same level of admiration or wonder. Consider the emotional impact you want to create when choosing between these two adverbs.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between extraordinarily and extremely:

• Extraordinarily: "She is extraordinarily talented in music, able to play multiple instruments with ease."
• Extremely: "She is extremely talented in music, with a natural ability to pick up new instruments quickly."
• Extraordinarily: "The view from the top of the mountain was extraordinarily beautiful, with breathtaking scenery all around."
• Extremely: "The view from the top of the mountain was extremely beautiful, with stunning vistas stretching for miles."

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both extraordinarily and extremely are adverbs used to intensify the meaning of an adjective or adverb, they have subtle differences in their usage and impact. Extraordinarily is often used to emphasize something that is truly exceptional or out of the ordinary, while extremely is used to emphasize the degree or intensity of something. Consider the level of emphasis, intensity, and impact you want to convey when choosing between these two adverbs in your writing or speech.