Amazing vs. Extraordinary — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
Amazing refers to something that causes great surprise or wonder, while extraordinary denotes something very unusual or remarkable.
Difference Between Amazing and Extraordinary
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Amazing often describes experiences or events that evoke a strong emotional response due to unexpectedness or novelty, whereas extraordinary pertains to occurrences or characteristics that are beyond what is usual, regular, or established.
An amazing event might include a surprise party that impresses due to its thoughtfulness and execution, while an extraordinary event might involve a rare astronomical phenomenon that is noteworthy due to its infrequency.
In literature, an amazing story could be one with unexpected plot twists that keep readers engaged, on the other hand, an extraordinary story may offer unique perspectives or explore uncharted themes.
When praising someone's abilities, describing them as amazing usually highlights their skill within expected boundaries, whereas calling them extraordinary suggests they exceed what is typically conceivable.
Amazing can often be used in casual contexts to express delight or approval of something fairly common, yet impressive, whereas extraordinary implies a higher degree of uniqueness or rarity.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Evokes great surprise or wonder
Very unusual or remarkable
Frequency of Usage
Common in everyday language
Less common, with a stronger emphasis
Connotation
Emotional impact, often positive
Noteworthy beyond normal expectations
Context of Use
Can be used for both common and unique events
Usually reserved for rarer or more significant cases
Example Usage
"The magician's performance was amazing."
"Her extraordinary talent sets her apart."
Compare with Definitions
Amazing
Evoking surprise through delightful or impressive qualities.
The amazing view from the top of the hill left us speechless.
Extraordinary
Beyond what is usual, regular, or established.
An extraordinary session of Congress was called.
Amazing
Very good or pleasing.
They hosted an amazing party last weekend.
Extraordinary
Exceptionally great or significant.
His extraordinary memory is notable.
Amazing
Exceptional in a way that excites enthusiasm.
He has an amazing ability to solve complex problems.
Extraordinary
Not conforming to the norm.
He took an extraordinary route to reach his goal.
Amazing
Surprising in a manner that is hard to believe.
It's amazing how quickly time flies.
Extraordinary
Very unusual or remarkable.
The scientist made an extraordinary discovery.
Amazing
To affect with great wonder; astonish.
Extraordinary
Having qualities that are seen very rarely.
She showed extraordinary bravery during the rescue.
Amazing
(Obsolete) To bewilder; perplex.
Extraordinary
Very unusual or remarkable
It is extraordinary that no consultation took place
The extraordinary plumage of the male
Amazing
To cause great wonder or astonishment
A sight that amazes.
Extraordinary
(of a meeting) specially convened
An extraordinary session of the Congress
Amazing
Amazement; wonder.
Extraordinary
An item in a company's accounts not arising from its normal activities.
Amazing
Present participle of amaze
Extraordinary
Beyond what is ordinary or usual
Extraordinary authority.
Amazing
Causing wonder and amazement; very surprising.
Extraordinary
Highly exceptional; remarkable
An extraordinary achievement.
Amazing
(informal) Possessing uniquely wonderful qualities; very good.
Extraordinary
Employed or used for a special service, function, or occasion
A minister extraordinary.
An extraordinary professor.
Amazing
Causing amazement; very wonderful; as, amazing grace.
Extraordinary
Not ordinary; exceptional; unusual.
Amazing
Surprising greatly;
She does an amazing amount of work
The dog was capable of astonishing tricks
Extraordinary
Remarkably good.
An extraordinary poet
Amazing
Inspiring awe or admiration or wonder;
New York is an amazing city
The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring sight
The awesome complexity of the universe
This sea, whose gently awful stirrings seem to speak of some hidden soul beneath
Westminster Hall's awing majesty, so vast, so high, so silent
Extraordinary
Special or supernumerary.
The physician extraordinary in a royal household
An extraordinary professor in a German university
Amazing
Generating a positive reaction.
Her amazing performance earned a standing ovation.
Extraordinary
Anything that goes beyond what is ordinary.
Extraordinary
Beyond or out of the common order or method; not usual, customary, regular, or ordinary; as, extraordinary evils; extraordinary remedies.
Which disposeTo something extraordinary my thoughts.
Extraordinary
Exceeding the common degree, measure. or condition; hence, remarkable; uncommon; rare; wonderful; as, extraordinary talents or grandeur.
Extraordinary
Employed or sent upon an unusual or special service; as, an ambassador extraordinary.
Extraordinary
That which is extraordinary; - used especially in the plural; as, extraordinaries excepted, there is nothing to prevent success.
Their extraordinary did consist especially in the matter of prayers and devotions.
Extraordinary
Beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable;
Extraordinary authority
An extraordinary achievement
Her extraordinary beauty
Enjoyed extraordinary popularity
An extraordinary capacity for work
An extraordinary session of the legislature
Extraordinary
Far more than usual or expected;
An extraordinary desire for approval
It was an over-the-top experience
Extraordinary
(of an official) serving an unusual or special function in addition to those of the regular officials;
An ambassador extraordinary
Common Curiosities
What is a common misuse of the word "amazing"?
Overusing "amazing" for mundane or ordinary events can dilute its impact in genuinely surprising contexts.
Is "extraordinary" typically used in positive contexts only?
No, "extraordinary" can describe both positive and negative contexts, as long as the situation is far from what is considered normal.
How does "extraordinary" enhance the description of an event or person?
"Extraordinary" elevates a description by highlighting the rarity or exceptional nature of an event or characteristic.
Can "amazing" and "extraordinary" be used interchangeably?
While sometimes used interchangeably in informal speech, "extraordinary" carries a stronger connotation of rarity and significance than "amazing."
What makes something "amazing" rather than just good?
Something is considered "amazing" when it greatly exceeds expectations and provides a significant emotional response or surprise.
How do the emotional connotations of "amazing" and "extraordinary" differ?
"Amazing" typically conveys a more immediate, emotionally charged reaction, often positive, whereas "extraordinary" might evoke awe or admiration due to the unusualness or significance of the situation.
When should one avoid using the word "extraordinary"?
Avoid using "extraordinary" when describing everyday or common occurrences to maintain the word’s impact for truly significant or rare instances.
Are there specific synonyms that can replace "extraordinary" without changing the meaning?
Yes, words like "remarkable", "incredible", and "exceptional" can often replace "extraordinary" without significantly altering the meaning.
What contexts are best suited for the use of "amazing"?
"Amazing" is best used in casual or enthusiastic contexts to describe something surprisingly delightful or impressive.
Can "amazing" be used in formal writing?
"Amazing" can be used in formal writing if it fits the tone and context, though in highly formal or academic writing, a less colloquial term might be more appropriate.
How do cultural perceptions affect the usage of "amazing" in different regions?
Cultural perceptions can influence the frequency and context of using "amazing", with some cultures perhaps reserving it for more impactful events compared to others who might use it more liberally.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Dew vs. Fog
Next Comparison
Lounge vs. SaloonAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
