adj
extraneous
ehk-STRAY-nee-uhs
Extraneous (adj) means not relevant or necessary to the matter at hand; irrelevant. Example: “The editor cut several extraneous details that slowed the story down.”
adj
1
Not relevant or necessary to the matter at hand; irrelevant.
"The editor cut several extraneous details that slowed the story down."
"Please ignore the extraneous notes at the bottom of the report — they don't apply here."
How to use extraneous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething unnecessary or off-topic that doesn't belong to the main point.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
extraneous detail
extraneous information
extraneous noise
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The editor cut several _____ details that slowed the story down.
Etymology
From Latin extrāneus, "external, foreign, from outside" — the same root that gives us "strange" and "estrange."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for extraneous
See all rhymes for extraneous →Frequently asked questions
What does “extraneous” mean?
The word “extraneous” means not relevant or necessary to the matter at hand; irrelevant. In plain terms, something unnecessary or off-topic that doesn't belong to the main point.
How do you pronounce “extraneous”?
“Extraneous” is pronounced ehk-STRAY-nee-uhs (/ɛkˈstɹeɪ.ni.əs/ in IPA).
How do you use “extraneous” in a sentence?
Here is “extraneous” used in a sentence: “The editor cut several extraneous details that slowed the story down.”
What is another word for “extraneous”?
Words with a similar meaning to “extraneous” include alien, foreign, intrusive and extra.
What is the opposite of “extraneous”?
The opposite of “extraneous” — its antonyms — is intraneous.
What part of speech is “extraneous”?
“Extraneous” is an adjective.
Where does the word “extraneous” come from?
The word “extraneous” comes from Latin. From Latin extrāneus, "external, foreign, from outside" — the same root that gives us "strange" and "estrange.".
