When people describe a price or cost as being extremely high, they often use the word ‘exorbitant.’ This term captures more than just expense it suggests something that is unfairly, unreasonably, or shockingly expensive. Whether discussing the price of rent, fees at an event, or the cost of a luxury item, understanding the meaning and use of ‘exorbitant’ helps convey strong emotion or criticism. To fully grasp what this word means and how it functions in real-life situations, let’s explore its definition, synonyms, examples, and common contexts where it appears.
Definition of Exorbitant
The wordexorbitantis an adjective used to describe something that exceeds what is normal, reasonable, or acceptable especially in terms of cost or demands. The term is typically used when the level of excess seems unjustified or outrageous.
Official Dictionary Meaning
According to standard English dictionaries, exorbitant means:
- Much too high in price or amount.
- Exceeding the bounds of custom, propriety, or reason.
It is often associated with monetary amounts, but it can also be applied to expectations, rules, or demands that are deemed excessive.
Origin and Etymology
The word exorbitant comes from the Latin wordexorbitare, meaning ‘to go out of the track or orbit.’ It originally described something that went beyond the usual limits, not just in cost but also in behavior or action. Over time, the meaning narrowed and is now most commonly used in the context of extreme prices or charges.
Common Examples of Exorbitant Usage
To better understand the use of ‘exorbitant,’ consider these practical examples:
- The hotel charged anexorbitantfee for room service.
- Some celebrities payexorbitantamounts for designer clothing.
- The tuition fees at that private university areexorbitant.
- He facedexorbitantpenalties for breaking the contract.
Each of these examples shows how the word conveys a sense of overcharging or unfair magnitude.
Synonyms for Exorbitant
There are several synonyms that convey a similar meaning to exorbitant. Using these can help avoid repetition and add depth to your vocabulary:
- Outrageous
- Excessive
- Inflated
- Unreasonable
- Over-the-top
- Sky-high
- Astronomical (often used to describe huge prices)
For example, instead of saying ‘an exorbitant fee,’ you could say ‘an outrageous fee’ or ‘a sky-high charge,’ depending on the context.
Antonyms of Exorbitant
To understand exorbitant better, it helps to also know its opposites. These antonyms indicate something that is fair, reasonable, or moderate:
- Reasonable
- Moderate
- Fair
- Affordable
- Economical
For instance, you might say: The restaurant’s prices are fair not exorbitant like the ones downtown.
When to Use the Word ‘Exorbitant’
The word is most commonly used in specific contexts. Knowing when to use it can make your writing or speech more powerful and precise.
Financial Context
This is by far the most common setting. Exorbitant is often used to criticize or call attention to prices that are much higher than expected. Examples include rent, fees, bills, or product prices.
Legal or Contractual Settings
In legal terms, an exorbitant penalty or clause might be seen as unenforceable due to its unreasonableness. It suggests unfair conditions or demands in a contract.
Expectations or Demands
Sometimes, the word can apply to non-financial things. For example: The boss hadexorbitantexpectations for a one-week project. Here, it emphasizes that the demands were unreasonably high.
Difference Between Exorbitant and Expensive
It’s important to understand that expensive and exorbitant are not always interchangeable. While both indicate high cost, expensive is neutral, and exorbitant carries a negative connotation.
- Expensive simply means that something costs a lot.
- Exorbitant means that something costs far more than it reasonably should.
For instance:
- A diamond ring can be expensive. (This may be expected.)
- They charged anexorbitantprice for bottled water. (This seems unfair.)
How to Use Exorbitant in Sentences
Using exorbitant correctly involves matching it with a noun that conveys a measurable or evaluative quality usually something involving cost, price, or demand. Here are more sentence examples to guide usage:
- Due to its location, the restaurant chargesexorbitantprices for simple meals.
- The cost of housing in major cities has becomeexorbitantfor many families.
- Some banks imposeexorbitantinterest rates on short-term loans.
- He paid anexorbitantamount for front-row concert tickets.
Exorbitant in Everyday Conversation
While ‘exorbitant’ is more formal than expensive, it is still widely used in everyday conversation. It adds emphasis and often expresses frustration or criticism. You might hear someone say:
- I’m not paying that it’sexorbitant!
- They want anexorbitantdeposit just to hold the apartment.
In such contexts, the word becomes a tool to express discontent or disbelief at something considered unjustifiably high in cost or expectation.
Why ‘Exorbitant’ Matters in Communication
Using precise vocabulary like exorbitant makes your communication more effective. It helps others clearly understand the extent of something being beyond acceptable limits. Especially in persuasive writing, journalism, or business discussions, this word signals a strong stance on value, fairness, and judgment.
In Journalism and Media
Writers often use exorbitant to highlight unfair pricing, particularly in headlines or reports on consumer issues.
In Business and Economics
Analysts or critics may label a product or service as exorbitant to suggest poor value for money or exploitative pricing practices.
The word exorbitant is more than just a synonym for expensive. It conveys disapproval, outrage, or concern about something being excessively high, especially in terms of cost. With roots in Latin and common use in modern English, it is a powerful adjective to describe situations where the price, demand, or condition exceeds what is reasonable. By using it appropriately, you can express strong opinions in a clear and impactful way.