What is extra? Pronunciation and usage in English

extra means . Learn how to pronounce and use extra through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of extra

extraadjective

/ˈɛkstrə/
Definition & pronunciation of extra

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "extra" in English. It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ɛkˈstrɑː/ (ek-STRAH)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ek: Pronounced like the "e" in "bed." It's a short, quick sound.
  2. strah: This is where it gets tricky.
    • str: Pronounced like "str" in "street."
    • ah: This is a short, open "ah" sound, like the "a" in "father." It’s not like the "a" in "cat."

Key Points & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "ex-tra": You'll hear people say it that way, but it's incorrect. The "x" is silent.
  • The "a" sound is crucial: The "strah" part is the most common stumbling block. Focus on that short, open "ah" sound.
  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable ("strah").

Resources to Help You Hear It:

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  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly for you?
  • Compare it to a similar-sounding word?

Usage and examples with the word extra in English

Let's break down how to use the word "extra" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As an Adjective – Meaning “Excessive” or “More Than Enough”

This is probably the most common use of "extra" today. It describes something that is beyond what's needed or expected.

  • Example: "I ordered an extra large pizza because I was really hungry." (More than the usual size)
  • Example: "She spent extra money on decorations for the party." (More than she needed to)
  • Example: "Don't be so extra; you're overreacting." (Exaggerated or dramatic)
  • Example: "That's extra spicy! I can't handle it." (More spicy than normal)

2. As an Adjective – Meaning “Unnecessary” or “Superfluous”

Similar to excessive, but focusing on something not required at all.

  • Example: “Adding that detail is extra.” (It's not needed.)
  • Example: “The instructions were a bit extra – I could have figured it out without them.” (Overly detailed and not essential)

3. As a Noun – Meaning “A Supplementary Item” or “Something Added On”

This is where things get a little trickier. “Extra” as a noun refers to something added on to something else. It's frequently used in the context of purchases or services.

  • Example: "I bought extra tickets just in case." (Additional tickets)
  • Example: “Can I get an extra side of fries?” (An extra portion)
  • Example: “They charged me extra for the delivery.” (An added fee)
  • Example: “I bought an extra battery for my phone.” (An additional battery)

4. (Slang/Informal) – Meaning “Dramatic,” “Over-the-Top,” or “Showy”

This usage is particularly common in youth culture and online communication. It’s used to describe someone or something that is flamboyant, excessively stylish, or attention-seeking. This is where the phrase "extra" gained a lot of traction in recent years.

  • Example: “She’s so extra with her outfits.” (Her outfits are very flashy and extravagant)
  • Example: “That's an extra reaction!” (An overblown or dramatic response)
  • Example: “He’s being extra about the small details.” (He’s focusing too much on unimportant things)

Key Differences to Remember:

  • Extra (adjective): Focuses on amount – more than needed.
  • Extra (noun): Focuses on items – something added on.
  • Extra (slang): Focuses on behavior – dramatic or over-the-top.

Resources for More Examples:

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Synonyms for the word extra

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