The English language is rich with vocabulary that allows speakers to express ideas with precision, emotion, and clarity. One such word is ‘exorbitant,’ a term commonly used to describe something that is excessively high or unreasonable, especially in terms of price or amount. While it may be frequently used in conversations and writing, understanding the part of speech for ‘exorbitant’ can help learners use it correctly and confidently. Exploring how this word functions in a sentence, along with examples and variations, enhances vocabulary and deepens one’s grasp of English grammar.
Definition and Meaning of ‘Exorbitant’
‘Exorbitant’ is a word used to express the idea of something being beyond what is fair or acceptable. Most commonly, it is applied to prices, costs, or demands that are unreasonably high. When someone says a price is ‘exorbitant,’ they mean it far exceeds normal expectations or affordability. This word carries a negative tone and is often used in critical contexts.
Example Sentences:
- The restaurant charged anexorbitantamount for a simple bowl of soup.
- He paid anexorbitantfee to get tickets to the concert.
- Rent prices in the city have becomeexorbitantover the last few years.
Part of Speech for ‘Exorbitant’
In grammatical terms, ‘exorbitant’ is classified as anadjective. An adjective is a word that modifies or describes a noun. It provides additional information about a noun’s quality, quantity, size, or other attributes. In the case of ‘exorbitant,’ it describes the extent or nature of something, usually suggesting it is beyond reasonable limits.
How ‘Exorbitant’ Functions as an Adjective
As an adjective, ‘exorbitant’ typically appears before the noun it modifies. It helps to qualify the noun by expressing the idea of being excessive or over-the-top. It can also be used after linking verbs such as ‘is,’ ‘seems,’ or ‘becomes’ to complete a sentence.
Examples in Sentences:
- Theexorbitantcost of tuition is a concern for many students.
- The lawyer’s fee seemedexorbitantfor such a simple task.
- They were shocked by theexorbitanthotel prices during the festival.
Synonyms and Related Adjectives
To better understand the adjective ‘exorbitant,’ it can be helpful to compare it to synonyms that share a similar meaning. These words also act as adjectives and are used to express excess or exaggeration.
Common Synonyms for ‘Exorbitant’:
- Excessive
- Outrageous
- Unreasonable
- Inflated
- Overpriced
Each of these words, like ‘exorbitant,’ functions as an adjective and can be used to describe things that are beyond acceptable limits, especially in regard to cost or demand. For example:
- Theexcessivenoise from the party kept the neighbors awake.
- They were charged anoutrageousamount for parking.
Derivatives and Related Forms
Understanding the word family of ‘exorbitant’ can help expand vocabulary and grammar awareness. Though ‘exorbitant’ is the adjective form, it has other related words that belong to different parts of speech.
Exorbitantly (Adverb)
The adverb form of ‘exorbitant’ is ‘exorbitantly.’ It is used to describe an action or state in a manner that is extreme or unreasonable.
- The designer handbag wasexorbitantlypriced.
- Some luxury hotels chargeexorbitantlyfor basic amenities.
Exorbitance (Noun)
‘Exorbitance’ is the noun form, which refers to the state or quality of being exorbitant.
- Theexorbitanceof the bill surprised everyone at the table.
- Critics point to theexorbitanceof executive salaries in large corporations.
Using ‘Exorbitant’ in Context
Knowing how to use ‘exorbitant’ in the right context is key to using it correctly in writing and speech. It often appears in economic discussions, pricing debates, and everyday conversations where someone feels they are being asked to pay too much.
Contexts Where ‘Exorbitant’ Is Common:
- Describing high prices (e.g., real estate, medical bills)
- Talking about financial burdens
- Criticizing unfair fees or costs
For example, in journalism or opinion writing, a sentence may appear like this: Many families struggle with theexorbitantcosts of childcare in urban areas. This shows how the word adds a clear, emotional weight to the message.
Grammar Tips for Learners
When using adjectives like ‘exorbitant,’ it’s important to remember a few key grammar rules:
- Adjectives typically come before the noun they modify: exorbitant price.
- They can also come after a linking verb: The price is exorbitant.
- Do not confuse the adjective with its noun or adverb forms.
Correct usage of adjectives adds richness and clarity to writing. Incorrect usage, such as placing it in the wrong part of the sentence or using the wrong form, can lead to confusion or awkward phrasing.
Why Understanding Parts of Speech Matters
Knowing the part of speech for a word like ‘exorbitant’ helps speakers and writers form grammatically correct sentences. It also enables better understanding of sentence structure, helps with reading comprehension, and improves overall communication. Since ‘exorbitant’ is an adjective, it is essential to use it to modify nouns, not verbs or other parts of speech.
Mastery of parts of speech, especially adjectives, allows learners to express opinions and descriptions more vividly and effectively. In the case of ‘exorbitant,’ it gives the speaker a precise word to convey frustration or criticism about high or unfair costs.
‘Exorbitant’ is an adjective that plays a significant role in expressing excess and exaggeration in various contexts, especially financial ones. It enhances speech and writing by adding a descriptive quality to nouns, particularly those related to cost, demands, or expectations. By understanding that ‘exorbitant’ is an adjective and learning how to use it in context, learners and speakers of English can improve both accuracy and expressiveness. Expanding on its related forms, such as ‘exorbitantly’ and ‘exorbitance,’ allows for even more nuanced communication. Whether you’re writing an essay, reading an topic, or participating in a discussion, using the word ‘exorbitant’ correctly will make your language more precise and impactful.