The spelling of the word "exorbitant price" is pronounced as /ɪɡˈzɔː.bɪ.tənt praɪs/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "i" sound, followed by a glottal stop and the "gz" sound. The second syllable has a long "o" sound, followed by a "r" tap sound. The third syllable has an "i" sound and the final syllable has a long "i" sound. The word means a price that is exceedingly high or beyond what is reasonable.
The term "exorbitant price" refers to an exceedingly high or excessive cost that is considered unreasonable or out of proportion in relation to the value or worth of a product, service, or commodity. It denotes a price that goes far beyond what is ordinarily expected or what may be deemed fair in the market context.
When something is described as having an exorbitant price, it suggests that the cost is significantly higher than what is typical or justifiable. This may be due to various factors, such as scarcity, exclusivity, high demand, a monopolistic situation, or unethical business practices.
An exorbitant price can result in financial burden for individuals or businesses, creating a significant strain on their resources or causing them to experience financial hardship. It may also contribute to wealth inequality and hinder access to essential goods or services by making them unaffordable for a substantial portion of the population.
The perception of what constitutes an exorbitant price can vary among individuals and is influenced by factors such as income, personal values, societal norms, and market dynamics. What one person might consider excessive or unaffordable, another might view as reasonable based on their personal circumstances or priorities.
Overall, an exorbitant price can be seen as an extreme departure from what is considered reasonable or fair, potentially leading to debates around pricing practices and consumer rights.
The word "exorbitant" originated from the Latin word "exorbitans" which means "going out of the track". It is derived from the verb "exorbitare" which combines "ex" (out of) and "orbitare" (to go in a circle). Originally, it was used in a literal sense to describe something going out of its intended path or orbit. Over time, the meaning of "exorbitant" shifted to refer to something excessive or beyond reasonable limits. When combined with the word "price", it describes a cost that is unreasonably high or disproportionately expensive.