What does outlandishly mean?
Outlandishly is an adverb meaning in a bizarre, extravagant, or conspicuously unconventional manner. It is often used for prices, clothing, behavior, claims, and creative choices that seem unusually excessive, strange, or attention-grabbing. The word carries a stronger and more colorful tone than words such as extremely or unusually: describing something as outlandishly expensive suggests that the cost is not merely high but extravagant or absurd, while describing clothing as outlandishly theatrical emphasizes its exaggerated, flamboyant character. Although it can express disapproval, the word is also frequently playful, especially in entertainment and social contexts. Outlandishly derives from the adjective outlandish, whose older sense connected with something foreign or beyond familiar surroundings before it developed into a description of what is strange or extravagant.
adverbIn a bizarre, extravagant, or highly unconventional manner. It often describes behavior, appearance, costs, or claims that are conspicuously excessive or strange.
- In a bizarre, extravagant, or highly unconventional manner.
"The guests arrived in outlandishly extravagant costumes that transformed the ballroom into a theatrical spectacle."
"The proposal included an outlandishly expensive renovation with no practical justification."
"She responded to the criticism with an outlandishly humorous performance that left the audience in stitches."
Outlandishly began by suggesting something foreign or remote, but today it more often marks something as extravagantly strange or excessive.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How outlandishly is actually used
Usually informal or mildly disapproving, though it can be playful when describing costumes, entertainment, or imaginative behavior. It is common in both British and American English.
Easily confused with outlandishly
Outlandishly is an adverb that describes how an action or manner occurs, whereas outlandish is an adjective that describes a person, thing, or idea.