exorbitant
UK: ɪɡˈzɔːbɪtənt | US: ɪɡˈzɔːrbɪtənt
adj. exceeding reasonable or customary limits; excessively high (e.g., prices, demands).
adj. deviating from the normal or expected path (archaic).
exorbitant = ex<out of> + orbit<path/track> + ant<adjective suffix>
- ex<out of>: Latin prefix meaning "out of" or "away from."
- orbit<path/track>: From Latin orbita (wheel track, rut), derived from orbis (circle).
- ant<adjective suffix>: Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, indicating "pertaining to."
Etymology Origin:
Originally used in astronomy (16th century) to describe celestial bodies "deviating from their orbital path." Later generalized to mean "straying beyond accepted limits," especially in financial contexts (e.g., exorbitant prices). The logic reflects a metaphorical leap from physical deviation to abstract excess.
The hotel charged exorbitant fees during peak season.
Critics condemned the CEO’s exorbitant salary.
In medieval times, comets were thought to be exorbitant celestial phenomena.
The landlord’s rent increase was deemed exorbitant by tenants.
Such exorbitant demands could bankrupt small businesses.