outrageous
Something outrageous is so shocking or unfair that it makes you feel very angry or surprised.
Explanation at your level:
Think of the word outrageous as a way to say 'very, very bad.' If someone does something that is not fair or is very shocking, you can say it is outrageous. For example, if a store sells a tiny candy for 100 dollars, that is an outrageous price. It is a big word for a big feeling!
When something is outrageous, it is more than just wrong—it is shocking. You use this word when you are surprised by how unfair or unreasonable something is. It is a strong word, so use it when you really mean that something is not okay at all.
The word outrageous is used to describe things that exceed normal limits. It is common to hear it when discussing money, like outrageous prices, or behavior, like outrageous lies. It shows that you are not just annoyed, but that you find the situation completely unacceptable.
Outrageous is a powerful adjective for expressing indignation. It is often used in news reports to describe outrageous acts of violence or in daily life to describe outrageous fashion or behavior. It implies that the subject has crossed a social or moral boundary, making it a perfect word for strong opinions.
In advanced English, outrageous often carries a nuance of moral or ethical breach. It is frequently used in formal discourse to critique policies, actions, or claims that are deemed manifestly unreasonable. Beyond its negative connotations, it can also describe something so bold or extravagant—like a costume or a performance—that it defies conventional standards of taste.
The etymology of outrageous—rooted in the concept of 'excess' (ultra)—informs its usage at a mastery level. It serves as a potent tool for rhetorical emphasis, whether one is lamenting an outrageous miscarriage of justice or describing an outrageous piece of avant-garde art. Its versatility allows it to bridge the gap between moral indignation and aesthetic shock, making it a staple in both high-level literary analysis and sharp, critical commentary.
الكلمة في 30 ثانية
- Means extremely shocking or unreasonable.
- Used to express strong disapproval.
- Pronounced out-RAY-jus.
- Often paired with 'price', 'lie', or 'behavior'.
When you call something outrageous, you are saying it is way over the line. It isn't just a little bit wrong; it is extreme, shocking, and often makes people feel genuinely angry or offended.
Think of it as the ultimate 'I can't believe they did that!' word. Whether it is an outrageous price for a sandwich or outrageous behavior at a party, the word signals that the subject has completely ignored the rules of decency or fairness.
It is a strong, expressive word that carries a lot of weight. You wouldn't use it for something mildly annoying, like a rainy day. You save it for the big stuff—the moments that demand a strong reaction.
The word outrageous has a fascinating history that dates back to the Old French word outrage, which meant 'excess' or 'violence.' This comes from the Latin ultra, meaning 'beyond.'
In its early life, the word was closely tied to the idea of going 'beyond' the limit. It wasn't just about being rude; it was about being excessive or violent. Over time, the meaning shifted slightly from physical violence to the social and moral shock we recognize today.
Interestingly, the suffix -ous was added to turn the noun into an adjective. It is a classic example of how English borrows from French to create descriptive, punchy words that help us express our strongest feelings about the world around us.
You will hear outrageous used in both casual and formal settings, though it is always quite emphatic. In casual talk, you might say, 'That outfit is outrageous!' to mean it is wild or bold.
In formal or journalistic writing, it is used to condemn serious injustices, such as an outrageous violation of human rights. It is a versatile word, but because it is so strong, you should be careful not to overuse it, or you might lose its impact.
Common collocations include outrageous claims, outrageous prices, and outrageous fortune (a famous literary reference). Always pair it with nouns that represent things that can truly be shocking.
While 'outrageous' is an adjective, it appears in many expressions that highlight extreme situations:
- Outrageous fortune: From Shakespeare, meaning the terrible luck life throws at you.
- An outrageous lie: A lie so big and bold it is impossible to ignore.
- Outrageous display: Used when someone acts in a way that is intentionally shocking.
- Pay an outrageous amount: To be charged way more than something is worth.
- Outrageous audacity: Having the nerve to do something incredibly bold or rude.
Pronounced out-RAY-jus, the stress falls on the second syllable. It is a three-syllable word that flows quite quickly despite its length.
Grammatically, it functions as a standard adjective. You can use it before a noun (an outrageous act) or after a linking verb (his behavior was outrageous). It is also a gradable adjective, meaning you can say totally outrageous or simply outrageous for emphasis.
It rhymes with words like courageous, which is a fun way to remember the ending. Just be careful with the spelling—the 'e' after the 'g' is necessary to keep the 'j' sound soft!
Fun Fact
It comes from the same root as 'ultra', meaning 'beyond'.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'out' sound followed by 'ray-jus'
Similar to UK, very clear 'j' sound
Common Errors
- Mispronouncing the 'j' as a 'g'
- Stressing the first syllable
- Dropping the 's' at the end
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy to understand
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
متقدم
Grammar to Know
Adjective order
An outrageous, expensive hat
Intensifiers
Absolutely outrageous
Linking verbs
It is outrageous
Examples by Level
The price of this toy is outrageous!
price = cost
used after 'is'
That is an outrageous lie.
lie = not true
adjective before noun
It is outrageous behavior.
behavior = what you do
describing a noun
His story is outrageous.
story = what he said
simple sentence
That is outrageous!
short reaction
exclamation
The bill was outrageous.
bill = cost of dinner
past tense
What an outrageous idea!
idea = thought
exclamatory phrase
This is truly outrageous.
truly = very
adverb + adjective
The service at the restaurant was outrageous.
It is outrageous to treat people like that.
She wore an outrageous hat to the party.
The judge called the crime outrageous.
Don't make such outrageous claims.
The traffic delay was outrageous.
He has an outrageous sense of humor.
The delay in the mail is outrageous.
The candidate made some outrageous promises during the campaign.
The cost of living in this city has become outrageous.
It is outrageous that they haven't fixed the road yet.
The comedian's jokes were a bit too outrageous for some.
She was fired for her outrageous conduct at the office.
The fans were upset by the outrageous refereeing decision.
Buying a car for that price is absolutely outrageous.
The book is filled with outrageous stories about his life.
The report detailed the outrageous waste of public funds.
His outrageous arrogance made him very unpopular.
The government's decision was met with outrageous protests.
She has an outrageous talent for mimicry.
It is an outrageous violation of privacy to read my diary.
The film is an outrageous satire of modern society.
The outrageous nature of the accusation shocked everyone.
They demanded an apology for his outrageous remarks.
The artist is known for his outrageous and provocative installations.
It is an outrageous miscarriage of justice to convict an innocent man.
The sheer scale of the corruption is truly outrageous.
His outrageous disregard for safety protocols led to the accident.
The play was an outrageous display of theatrical excess.
Critics described the plot twist as an outrageous contrivance.
The company's outrageous tax avoidance schemes were exposed.
She possesses an outrageous amount of energy for her age.
The outrageous extravagance of the royal banquet was legendary.
His outrageous defiance of social norms alienated his peers.
The novel is an outrageous parody of Victorian morality.
The outrageous audacity of the heist left the police baffled.
Such outrageous fortune has followed him his entire life.
The critique was an outrageous assault on the author's reputation.
The decor was an outrageous blend of neon and velvet.
The proposal was dismissed as an outrageous fantasy.
تلازمات شائعة
Idioms & Expressions
"outrageous fortune"
severe or cruel luck
He suffered from outrageous fortune.
literary"beyond outrageous"
even worse than shocking
His actions were beyond outrageous.
casual"outrageous audacity"
extreme boldness
She had the outrageous audacity to ask for more.
formal"an outrageous sum"
a huge amount of money
They paid an outrageous sum.
neutral"outrageous conduct"
unacceptable behavior
The lawyer cited outrageous conduct.
formal"outrageous attempt"
a bold and shocking effort
It was an outrageous attempt to cheat.
neutralEasily Confused
similar sound
courageous is brave, outrageous is shocking
He was courageous, but his plan was outrageous.
similar ending
advantageous means helpful
The deal was advantageous.
similar ending
contagious means spreading
The flu is contagious.
same root
outrage is a noun/verb
The news caused outrage.
Sentence Patterns
It is outrageous that [clause]
It is outrageous that he lied.
That is an outrageous [noun]
That is an outrageous lie.
His behavior was outrageous
His behavior was outrageous.
Find something outrageous
I find his comments outrageous.
Absolutely outrageous
The service was absolutely outrageous.
عائلة الكلمة
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
مرتبط
How to Use It
7/10
Formality Scale
أخطاء شائعة
Outrageous is an adjective, not a verb.
Outrageous is too strong for minor issues.
The 'e' is required after 'g'.
They sound similar but mean opposites.
Absolutely is a better intensifier.
Tips
The Rage Trick
Remember that 'rage' is inside the word.
Use with Prices
Great for complaining about costs.
Shakespeare
Know the Hamlet quote.
Adjective placement
Use before nouns or after 'is'.
Soft G
Make sure it sounds like 'j'.
Don't over-use
Save it for big shocks.
Latin Roots
It means 'beyond'.
Write a complaint
Practice writing a complaint letter using the word.
Emphasis
Use 'absolutely' to make it stronger.
Syllable count
It has three beats: out-ray-jus.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Out + Rage + Us = Outrageous (When something makes us feel rage, it is outrageous!)
Visual Association
A person looking at a bill that is 10 feet tall.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to use the word in a sentence today about something that surprised you.
أصل الكلمة
Old French / Latin
Original meaning: Excessive or beyond the limit
السياق الثقافي
Can be inflammatory; use with caution in professional settings.
Used frequently in political and social commentary to express strong disapproval.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- outrageous demand
- outrageous conduct
- outrageous deadline
shopping
- outrageous price
- outrageous fee
- outrageous cost
news
- outrageous act
- outrageous injustice
- outrageous claim
social
- outrageous outfit
- outrageous joke
- outrageous story
Conversation Starters
"What is the most outrageous price you have ever paid?"
"Have you ever seen someone behave in an outrageous way?"
"What kind of news story do you find outrageous?"
"Do you think outrageous fashion is cool or silly?"
"What is an outrageous lie you have heard?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you felt outraged by a situation.
Describe an outrageous outfit you saw once.
If you could change one outrageous law, what would it be?
Do you think society has become more outrageous lately?
الأسئلة الشائعة
8 أسئلةMostly, but it can be used for 'wild' fashion.
O-U-T-R-A-G-E-O-U-S.
No, it is too strong.
Outrage.
It fits in both formal and informal contexts.
Yes.
It is better to say 'absolutely outrageous'.
To keep the 'g' sound soft.
اختبر نفسك
The price of the ticket was ___.
Outrageous describes a high price.
Which word is a synonym for outrageous?
Shocking is a synonym.
Is 'outrageous' a positive word?
It is usually negative.
Word
المعنى
Match the meaning.
It is outrageous that...
النتيجة: /5
Summary
Outrageous is the perfect word to use when something is so shocking or unfair that it makes you feel real anger.
- Means extremely shocking or unreasonable.
- Used to express strong disapproval.
- Pronounced out-RAY-jus.
- Often paired with 'price', 'lie', or 'behavior'.
The Rage Trick
Remember that 'rage' is inside the word.
Use with Prices
Great for complaining about costs.
Shakespeare
Know the Hamlet quote.
Adjective placement
Use before nouns or after 'is'.
