Words / C2

ik-STRAYN-ee-uh-s/ɪkˈstreɪniəs/

Extraneous means not relevant to the matter: extraneous detail, extraneous noise. Irrelevant is the plain cousin; extra can still belong (an extra copy). Extraneous is extra in a useless or intrusive way. External is merely “outside”. Cut extraneous material; do not call a necessary appendix extraneous.

Meaning

Not relevant to the matter in hand; extra in a useless way.

Examples

• “Cut the extraneous anecdotes from the minutes.”
• “The minutes buried the vote under extraneous anecdotes.”
• “Extraneous light spoiled the exposure; that is physics, not rudeness.”

Good to know

Not relevant; intrusive extra. Plain: irrelevant. Contrast: extra (may still belong); external (outside).

Near in meaning

irrelevant

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