Language is full of words that not only describe, but also evaluate and emphasize. One such expressive word is ‘exorbitant.’ Often encountered in financial discussions, advertisements, and critical commentary, ‘exorbitant’ delivers a strong sense of excess or unreasonableness. To use this word effectively in communication, it is crucial to understand its grammatical role. Knowing the part of speech of ‘exorbitant’ and how it functions within a sentence allows writers and speakers to be more precise and impactful. In the sections below, we will explore its part of speech, meaning, usage, and variations in detail.
What Part of Speech is ‘Exorbitant’?
The word‘exorbitant’is anadjective. As an adjective, its primary function is to describe or modify a noun by giving more detail about the nature or quality of that noun. Specifically, ‘exorbitant’ describes something that is unreasonably high or excessive in amount or degree. It is most often used in reference to prices, demands, or expectations.
Definition of ‘Exorbitant’
‘Exorbitant’ means far greater or higher than what is reasonable, fair, or acceptable. It usually carries a negative connotation, implying that something is overpriced or unjustifiably large.
- Example: The hotel charged an exorbitant fee for parking.
- Example: She asked for an exorbitant salary, far beyond what was offered.
In these examples, ‘exorbitant’ describes the nouns ‘fee’ and ‘salary,’ highlighting their excessive nature and reinforcing the word’s function as an adjective.
How ‘Exorbitant’ Functions in Sentences
As an adjective, ‘exorbitant’ is generally placed before the noun it modifies. It can also follow a linking verb when used as a predicate adjective.
Attributive Use (Before the Noun)
- The restaurant’s exorbitant prices turned away many customers.
- They paid an exorbitant amount for a small, one-bedroom apartment.
In both examples, ‘exorbitant’ appears before the noun it modifies ‘prices’ and ‘amount’ to express that these things are excessively high or unreasonable.
Predicative Use (After a Linking Verb)
- The cost was exorbitant.
- Her expectations seem exorbitant to the team.
Here, ‘exorbitant’ follows linking verbs such as ‘was’ and ‘seem.’ In this role, it still functions as an adjective but is placed in the predicate of the sentence.
Synonyms and Antonyms of ‘Exorbitant’
To better grasp the use and tone of ‘exorbitant,’ it’s helpful to look at similar and opposite words. This not only improves understanding but also enriches vocabulary.
Synonyms
- Outrageous
- Excessive
- Inflated
- Overpriced
- Unreasonable
These words share the idea of going beyond acceptable limits, especially in terms of cost or demands.
Antonyms
- Reasonable
- Fair
- Modest
- Affordable
- Acceptable
These antonyms present a contrast by describing things that are within logical or expected boundaries.
Common Contexts for Using ‘Exorbitant’
‘Exorbitant’ is most frequently used in conversations and texts involving money, pricing, and demand. It highlights inequality, unfairness, or excess in various situations.
Financial and Commercial Usage
- The exorbitant rent prices in the city are pushing people out.
- We couldn’t afford the exorbitant interest rates offered by the bank.
In these financial contexts, ‘exorbitant’ underlines how certain costs are unreasonable or oppressive.
Service and Product Critiques
- Despite its quality, the product’s exorbitant cost is a deal-breaker for many buyers.
- The service fee was exorbitant compared to what was provided.
Here, the word is used to express dissatisfaction and emphasize value judgment.
Legal and Social Commentary
- Critics argue that the fine was exorbitant and disproportionate to the offense.
- The lawsuit includes claims of exorbitant damages that may not be justified.
In formal or legal language, ‘exorbitant’ signals an imbalance between consequence and cause, often implying injustice or exaggeration.
Origin and Etymology of ‘Exorbitant’
The word ‘exorbitant’ originates from the Latin termexorbitare, meaning to go out of the track or norm. It is derived from the prefixex-meaning ‘out of’ andorbitameaning ‘track or course.’ The historical root reflects the idea of something deviating from what is standard or acceptable, which is still present in today’s usage of the word.
Related Forms of the Word
Although ‘exorbitant’ is strictly an adjective, it has related forms that belong to other parts of speech. These include:
Adverb Form: ‘Exorbitantly’
The adverb ‘exorbitantly’ describes how something is done in an excessive manner. It is used to modify verbs or adjectives.
- They were exorbitantly overcharged for the repairs.
- The resort was exorbitantly priced, even during the off-season.
Abstract Noun Form: ‘Exorbitance’ or ‘Exorbitancy’
These nouns refer to the state or quality of being exorbitant.
- The exorbitance of the bill shocked everyone at the table.
- There was clear exorbitancy in the company’s pricing structure.
Although less common in everyday speech, these forms are useful in formal or analytical writing.
Tips for Using ‘Exorbitant’ Effectively
To ensure that ‘exorbitant’ is used correctly and appropriately, consider the following guidelines:
- Use it with nouns related to cost, pricing, quantity, or demand.
- Apply it when you want to highlight excessiveness or injustice.
- Avoid using it for neutral or mildly high situations it carries a strong emotional weight.
- Be mindful of context, especially in business or legal settings where accuracy is important.
Common Collocations with ‘Exorbitant’
Understanding typical word combinations, or collocations, can make your speech or writing more natural and fluent. Some common collocations with ‘exorbitant’ include:
- Exorbitant prices
- Exorbitant fees
- Exorbitant demands
- Exorbitant cost
- Exorbitant expectations
Examples:
- He refused to pay the exorbitant fees charged by the repairman.
- The company’s exorbitant demands made the negotiation difficult.
To summarize, the word ‘exorbitant’ functions as anadjectivein English, used to describe something that is unreasonably high or excessive. It modifies nouns such as ‘price,’ ‘fee,’ or ‘demand,’ and often conveys criticism or disapproval. With a strong emotional undertone, ‘exorbitant’ is effective in both formal and informal settings when used carefully and appropriately. By recognizing its grammatical role, synonyms, related forms, and common collocations, language users can communicate more vividly and precisely. Whether discussing economics, services, or expectations, ‘exorbitant’ remains a powerful term to highlight excess and unfairness.