adjective
extraordinaire
ik-stror-dih-NAIR/ɪkˌstrɔːrdɪˈner/
Outstanding or unusually skilled in a particular role or activity.
The chef extraordinaire plates an intricate dessert while colleagues admire the craftsmanship.
Etymology
The pieces evoke being outside the usual order. French used “out of the ordinary” as a colloquial superlative, giving the English word its praising sense of exceptional skill or distinction.
In context
we have Deacon Matthews who is the translator and actor extraordinaire of our reading of um the capulets and the montagues
More examples
- As a baker extraordinaire, Luis turns simple ingredients into spectacular desserts.
- We need a negotiator extraordinaire to get both sides to agree.
- Maya, our organizer extraordinaire, keeps every project on schedule.
Forms
extraordinaire
Similar words
- exceptional
- Describes unusual excellence generally, not just skill in a role.
- virtuoso
- Emphasizes dazzling technical mastery, especially in music or performance.