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extreme
/ɪkˈstriːm/
very great in degree
She took extreme measures to protect her privacy.
She used unusually drastic actions to keep her personal life secret.
general
very great or intense in degree
The extreme heat made it impossible to go outside.
The very high temperature made outdoor activities unbearable.
Often used to describe situations, emotions, or physical conditions that are beyond the usual or normal range.
general
the furthest or highest degree of something
He went to extremes to achieve his goal.
He took drastic and often unreasonable actions to succeed.
Commonly used in phrases like 'go to extremes' or 'in the extreme'.
general
a person who holds extreme political or religious views
The group was labeled as extremists by the authorities.
The authorities identified the group as holding radical political or religious beliefs.
Collocations
extreme sportsdangerous or physically challenging activitiesextreme weatherunusually severe or dangerous weather conditionsextreme povertyliving in conditions of severe deprivationgo to extremestake drastic or unreasonable actionsin the extremeto the highest degree
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid overusing 'extreme'
While 'extreme' is useful for emphasizing intensity, overusing it can weaken its impact. Reserve it for situations that truly warrant such strong language.
Gold Rule
Context matters
'Extreme' implies a deviation from the norm. Always consider whether the situation genuinely exceeds typical boundaries before using the word.
Word Origin
From Latin 'extremus', meaning 'outermost, utmost', superlative of 'exter' (outer). Entered English in the late 15th century with the sense of 'outermost point or part'.
Usage Notes
The word 'extreme' can be used as an adjective, noun, or verb (e.g., 'to extreme'). When used as a noun, it often refers to the highest degree of something or a person with radical views. Be cautious with contexts involving politics or religion, as 'extreme' can carry negative connotations.
Word Breakdown
extrem-
outermost, farthest
root-e
adjective-forming suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary