What Makes This Word Tick
"Inordinate" is the linguistic equivalent of overindulgence. It refers to things that exceed reasonable limits—like that extra slice of pie at Thanksgiving that you just couldn't resist. It's a bit like when your grandkid goes shopping with your credit card and buys an inordinate number of video games.
If Inordinate Were a Person…
Inordinate would be the friend who can't help but go overboard. Whether it's collecting vintage records or eating too many cookies at a bake sale, Inordinate likes a lot of everything. They're fun at parties but sometimes need a gentle reminder to keep things in check.
How This Word Has Changed Over Time
Originally derived from the Latin word "inordinatus," meaning disordered or irregular, "inordinate" has expanded its reach from describing chaos to encompassing any excess. While it used to describe primarily behavior, nowadays it can describe anything from emotions to prices.
Old Sayings and Proverbs That Use Inordinate
While "inordinate" itself doesn't have a starring role in many sayings, it dances around the idea of excess in old adages like “too much of a good thing” and “everything in moderation.” These remind us of the pitfalls of overdoing it—something inordinate people might need to hear more often.
Surprising Facts About Inordinate
"Inordinate" was more popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, serving as a go-to descriptor for everything from unruly children to ostentatious fashions. Nowadays, while it's not in every sentence you read, it's perfect for those times when "a lot" just isn't descriptive enough.
Out and About With This Word
You might find "inordinate" in finance reports bemoaning inordinate expenses, in medical advice warning against inordinate stress, or even in reviews criticizing movies with inordinate running times. It's the word for when more isn't exactly merrier.
Pop Culture Moments Where Inordinate Was Used
"Inordinate" might not steal scenes in movies or lyrics in songs, but it's often lurking in the critiques. Ever read a movie review bemoaning inordinate plot twists? Or maybe a concert critique noting an inordinate number of encores?
The Word in Literature
"Inordinate" finds its natural habitat in literary works that explore excess and folly. Authors like Charles Dickens and Jane Austen often spotlight characters with inordinate desires, whether it's money, power, or love, showing how it can lead to their downfall.
Moments in History with Inordinate
Think of the Roaring Twenties, an era marked by inordinate wealth and revelry, just before the wake-up call of the Great Depression. Or Marie Antoinette's penchant for luxury that became synonymous with inordinate spending, leading to a revolution.
This Word Around the World
In French, you might use "inordonné," while in Spanish, "inmoderado" conveys a similar sense of excess. Across various cultures, the concept of inordinate is often humorously linked to food, whether it's eating too much or cooking enormous feasts.
Where Does It Come From?
"Inordinate" comes from the Latin "inordinatus," combining "in-" (not) with "ordinatus" (ordered or arranged). It's a word that's held its disapproving tone for centuries, directing a subtle wagging finger at our indulgences.
How People Misuse This Word
People sometimes use "inordinate" to simply mean "a lot," but the true essence of the word involves an exceeding of reasonable limits. Saying you have an inordinate number of friends isn't quite right—unless your social calendar is truly overbooked to the point of bursting!
Words It’s Often Confused With
Excessive: Often used interchangeably, but "inordinate" implies an unreasonable extreme.
Extreme: While similar, "extreme" doesn't carry the inherent negativity of "inordinate."
Exorbitant: Typically relates to prices rather than quantities.
Additional Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms include "excessive," "unreasonable," and "immoderate." For antonyms, consider "moderate," "reasonable," and "measured."
Want to Try It Out in a Sentence?
Why not say, "Jean's inordinate collection of garden gnomes made her front yard a local attraction—one that even the neighbors couldn't help but marvel at!"
