Extraordinary vs. Remarkable — What's the Difference?

Extraordinary is often used to describe occurrences, qualities, or events that deviate significantly from the norm; these may not only be impressive but also unusual or unexpected. On the other hand, remarkable is typically used to denote something that stands out from the rest due to noticeable excellence or a particularly striking trait.

When describing achievements or performances, extraordinary suggests a degree of excellence or peculiarity that is not commonly observed. It emphasizes the exceptional nature that defies usual expectations. Whereas, remarkable emphasizes that an achievement or performance catches one's attention and is notably superior to others, but it might not be as rarefied as extraordinary.

In usage, extraordinary can sometimes carry a connotation of extremeness or uniqueness that remarkable might not always imply. For instance, an extraordinary event might suggest something unprecedented, like a miraculous recovery in a medical context. Remarkable, on the other hand, might simply imply that something is unusually good, like an excellent recovery that is notable but within the realm of expectation.

The emotional impact of extraordinary can also be stronger, suggesting a sense of awe or wonder. Remarkable, while still powerful, often leans more towards recognition and appreciation rather than amazement.

Extraordinary often requires a context that defies ordinary expectations significantly, possibly due to rarity or extremity. In contrast, remarkable might require less deviation from the norm, focusing more on quality and impressiveness rather than the rarity or extremity of an occurrence.