extra
extra
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "extra" is /ˈek.strə/.
ex: /ˈek/
tra: /strə/
Word Form Variations
Adjective: extra
Noun: extra (singular), extras (plural)
Adverb: extra
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Extra
More than what is usual, expected, or necessary; additional.
Synonyms: additional, supplementary, superfluous, surplus, ancillary
Antonyms: insufficient, lacking, fewer, minimum, essential
Noun
Extra
An item or amount added to an existing amount or set; something additional.
Synonyms: addition, bonus, supplement, accessory, premium
Antonyms: subtraction, deduction, essential, necessity
A person in a film or play who is employed to play a minor, non-speaking part, usually in a crowd scene.
Synonyms: background actor, supernumerary, walk-on
Antonyms: lead, protagonist, main character
An additional edition of a newspaper published after the regular editions, typically to report on an important breaking news story.
Synonyms: special edition, bulletin, supplement
Antonyms: regular edition, main issue
Adverb
Extra
To an extent that is more than usual or necessary; additionally.
Synonyms: additionally, exceptionally, especially, particularly, unusually
Antonyms: less, normally, ordinarily, typically
Examples of Use
Books
Cookbooks: Recipes often call for "extra virgin olive oil" or suggest adding "extra cheese" (America's Test Kitchen, October 2022).
Children's Books: Characters might go on an "extra special adventure" or receive an "extra treat."
Textbooks: Academic texts might include "extra credit problems" or "extra reading materials" for further study.
Newspapers
News Articles: Journalists might report on an "extraordinary event" or a company offering "extra benefits" to employees. A sports headline could announce "Extra time needed to decide the match winner" (The Guardian, June 2025).
Advertisements: Retail ads frequently promote "extra savings" or "extra discounts" during sales events.
Online Publications
E-commerce Sites: When customizing a product, customers might choose to add "extra features" or pay for "extra storage space." Online food delivery services often have an option for "extra sauce" or "extra toppings."
Blogs: Lifestyle blogs might suggest "5 extra tips for productivity." Travel blogs could highlight "the extraordinary beauty of the Swiss Alps."
Social Media: Users might use "extra" to emphasize something, like "This coffee is extra good today!" or to describe a significant effort, "She went the extra mile."
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: The term "extra" refers to background actors who don't have speaking roles. A casting call might seek "50 extras for a crowd scene."
Video Games: Games often feature "extra lives," "extra power-ups," or "extra levels" to unlock. Players might complete "extra quests" for bonus rewards.
Music: Albums sometimes include "extra tracks" or "bonus tracks" not initially advertised.
Podcasts: Some podcasts offer "extra content" or "bonus episodes" for subscribers.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: People frequently use "extra" to describe additional effort, time, or items. "I need an extra hour to finish this." "Could I get an extra napkin?"
Customer Service: A customer might ask, "Is there an extra charge for delivery?" A representative might offer an "extra discount for your loyalty."
Education: Teachers might assign "extra homework" or offer "extra credit" opportunities.
Workplace: Employees might put in "extra hours" to meet a deadline, or a project might require "extra resources."
10 Quotes Using Extra
"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra." (Jimmy Johnson)
"There are no traffic jams along the extra mile." (Roger Staubach)
"Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even." (Muhammad Ali)
"There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle." (Deepak Chopra)
"It's never crowded along the extra mile." (Wayne Dyer)
"Grit is that 'extra something' that separates the most successful people from the rest." (Travis Bradberry)
"Don't sleep too much. If you sleep three hours less each night for a year, you will have an extra month and a half to succeed in." (Aristotle Onassis)
"The difference between good and great is just a little extra effort." (Duffy Daugherty)
"Love is the extra effort we make in our dealings with those whom we do not like and once you understand that, you understand all." (Quentin Crisp)
"Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence. The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning." (Denis Waitley)
Etymology
The word "extra" comes from the Latin word "extra," which means "outside" or "beyond." Originally, it was used to talk about something being outside a boundary or exceeding a limit.
The first known use of "extra" in English, with the meaning of "something additional or beyond the usual," dates back to the late 16th century. It appeared in texts to describe things that were added on or were more than what was expected, building on that original sense of "outside" or "beyond" the norm.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Extra
Go the extra mile: To make a special additional effort. "She always goes the extra mile for her clients."
An extra pair of hands: Someone to help, an additional person to assist. "We could use an extra pair of hands on this project."
Extra innings/time: Additional periods of play to break a tie in sports. "The game went into extra innings."
Extra charge: An additional fee for a service or item. "There's an extra charge for express shipping."
Extra baggage: Unnecessary emotional burdens or past issues. "He's carrying a lot of extra baggage from his previous relationship."
Extra perks: Additional benefits or advantages. "The job comes with some great extra perks."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of extra from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
