extra
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɛkstrə/
US
- /ˈɛkstrə/
Description
- additional
- added
- spare
- beyond what is needed
"Extra" describes something more than what is usual, needed, or expected. It often means something added, like extra napkins at dinner, extra time to finish a test, or an extra bag for a trip. It can also talk about effort, as in "go the extra mile," which means to do more than is required. In everyday speech, it can sometimes describe behavior that is a bit too dramatic or over the top.
The word "extra" describes something additional, spare, or beyond what is usual, necessary, or expected. It's a very flexible word that appears in many situations, often suggesting that something has been added or that someone has done more than enough.
You might receive extra money at work, ask for extra cheese on your pizza, or pack an extra pair of socks for a trip just in case. It can also describe effort: someone who "goes the extra mile" is willing to do more than what is required.
However, "extra" is not always positive. In modern slang, it can describe behavior that is overly dramatic or meant to attract attention. Someone might be called "too extra" if they make a small problem seem huge or dress in a very showy way. This meaning comes from the idea of having too much of something.
The word has also been used in special phrases and labels for a long time. Newspapers once printed an "extra" edition to share important breaking news, showing the idea of something added beyond the normal version.
So whether you're talking about a helpful gesture, an added topping, unexpected money, or someone who loves attention, "extra" nearly always points to the same core idea: more than the usual amount, and sometimes more than people want.
Examples
- 1
Hospitality
We brought extra chairs for the guests.
- 2
Time request
I need a few extra minutes to finish this email.
- 3
Travel packing
She packed an extra sweater in case it got cold.
- 4
Exam preparation
The teacher gave us some extra practice before the exam.
- 5
Safety warning
Please be extra careful on the wet stairs.
Pattern
extra careful
more careful than usual
- 6
Work effort
He's working extra hard this week to meet the deadline.
- 7
Hotel costs
The hotel charges extra for breakfast.
Pattern
charge extra for + service/item
ask for more money for it
- 8
Delivery cost
There is no extra charge for delivery.
- 9
Optional add-ons
The basic ticket is cheap, but all the extras cost money.
Meaning
extras
additional things you can choose to get
- 10
Dramatic behavior
Why are you being so extra today?
Phrase
be extra
act in a very dramatic or over-the-top way
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- extranounadjectiveadverb
Forms
- extraspluralnounadjectiveadverb