Is Exorbitant A Verb

In English vocabulary, some words may look or sound like they could function as verbs, especially to learners or casual speakers. One such word is exorbitant. It’s frequently used in everyday conversations, especially in contexts involving money or pricing. But can exorbitant be used as a verb? This question reveals how important it is to understand not just a word’s meaning, but also its grammatical function. The difference between adjectives and verbs can significantly affect sentence structure and clarity. Let’s explore the nature of the word exorbitant, its proper grammatical role, and how it should be used effectively in written and spoken English.

Understanding the Word Exorbitant

Definition and Meaning

Exorbitant is commonly used to describe something that goes far beyond what is reasonable or expected, especially in terms of cost, amount, or demand. It typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting that something is excessively high or unfairly extreme.

For example

• The restaurant charged an exorbitant price for a simple salad.
• They paid an exorbitant amount for that handbag.

In these examples, exorbitant functions as a descriptive word it tells us more about the price or amount. That gives us a clue about its grammatical role, which we’ll explore in the next section.

Is Exorbitant a Verb?

Grammatical Classification

No, exorbitant is not a verb. It is an adjective. Adjectives are words used to describe nouns or pronouns. In the case of exorbitant, it modifies nouns like price, fee, rate, or amount. It does not describe actions or processes, which are the primary functions of verbs.

You cannot say something like

• They exorbitant the cost of rent. (Incorrect)

This sentence is grammatically incorrect because there is no verb form of exorbitant. You would need to use a verb such as inflate, raise, or increase instead.

Correct Usage as an Adjective

Here are more examples of exorbitant used correctly in a sentence

• The lawyer charged an exorbitant hourly rate.
• The city’s housing costs have become exorbitant in recent years.
• We were shocked by the exorbitant fees for international shipping.

In each sentence, exorbitant is modifying a noun and adds meaning by indicating extremity or excessiveness.

Origin and Word Family

Etymology

The word exorbitant comes from the Latin word exorbitare, meaning to go out of the track or to go beyond bounds. The root orbit refers to a circular path, and the prefix ex- means out of. This origin reinforces the modern meaning of going beyond what is usual or acceptable.

Related Words

Although exorbitant has no verb form, it belongs to a family of words that can help express similar ideas with appropriate grammar. Consider these related terms

• Exorbitantly– An adverb form, used to describe the manner in which something is done to an extreme level. Example The tickets were exorbitantly priced.
• Exaggerate– A verb that conveys the idea of making something appear more extreme than it really is.
• Overcharge– A verb specifically used when someone charges too much money.

Alternatives to Verb Usage

How to Express the Idea as a Verb

Because exorbitant is not a verb, you need other words to express similar ideas in action-based form. Below are some verb alternatives depending on context

• OverchargeThe store overcharged us for bottled water.
• InflateThe vendor inflated the price due to high demand.
• HikeThey hiked the rent unexpectedly.
• EscalateCosts escalated during the renovation.

Each of these verbs expresses the idea of rising costs or unreasonable pricing, often in the same context where exorbitant would be used as an adjective.

Common Contexts for Using Exorbitant

1. Financial Discussions

Exorbitant is most often used when discussing financial matters such as prices, charges, rent, and costs.

• Exorbitant hotel rates are common during holidays.
• Medical bills in some countries are notoriously exorbitant.

2. Legal or Business Settings

In formal contexts, the word may appear in business reports, legal documents, or negotiations where financial fairness is under question.

• The contract included an exorbitant penalty clause.

3. Everyday Speech

It’s also a favorite in casual conversations when expressing frustration or disbelief about high prices or fees.

• I wanted to buy concert tickets, but the prices were exorbitant!

Grammar Tips Using Exorbitant Correctly

Pairing with Nouns

Because exorbitant is an adjective, it must modify a noun. You cannot use it alone in place of a verb. Here are some common pairings

• Exorbitant fee
• Exorbitant interest rate
• Exorbitant demand
• Exorbitant tax

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Here are examples of what not to do

• Incorrect The company exorbitants its customers. (No such verb)
• Correct The company charges exorbitant fees to its customers.

Always pair exorbitant with a noun and follow standard sentence structures to maintain clarity.

To summarize, exorbitant is an adjective, not a verb. It describes the excessive nature of something, usually a price, fee, or cost. Understanding that it functions as a descriptive word rather than an action word is key to using it correctly. While it may feel like it should have a verb form, English offers plenty of alternatives such as overcharge or inflate to express similar actions. By using exorbitant properly in both writing and speech, you can communicate more effectively and avoid grammatical mistakes. Whether you’re discussing overpriced items, negotiating costs, or simply complaining about a bill, knowing how to use exorbitant as an adjective will help you sound informed and articulate.