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extreme

extreme

743 3.6
Very far away in place or in degree
  • adjective
  • /ɪkˈstrim/
: extremo
  • If we don't handle the matter with extreme care, I'm afraid we're in for a major eruption.
  • extreme weather
  • extreme events
  • extreme droughts

And then you see just how much more extreme movies have got.

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Examples

  • An extreme threat requires extreme measures.

  • We're gonna face extreme peril.

  • And then you see just how much more extreme movies have got.

  • I think we're about to go to extreme fear.

  • And so that creates extreme pressure on the ice.

  • And there will be extreme conflict between the two groups.

  • Have you heard of extreme tourism?

  • Meteorologists have today announced the worst of the extreme storms have finally passed.

  • A performer must play these guitars with extreme discipline because the smallest mistakes can be heard.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The marathon was held under extreme heat, making it difficult for the runners to finish.

Synonyms

extraordinary
vsextreme
  • Formal
746 3.8

Very unusual or much greater than usual

contrasts by focusing on rarity rather than degree or distance
intense
vsextreme
646 3.7

A very strong feeling or quality you feel deeply

focuses on strength of feeling rather than overall degree or distance
utmost
vsextreme
71 4.0

Of the highest degree or importance

is broader and means very great degree rather than strictly the limit
uttermost
vsextreme
2 7.0

At the farthest or most extreme point

is used for very high degree or being far beyond normal

Antonyms

681 1.0

Normal and not special or unusual

310 3.3

Not very large or intense

Idioms

To kill someone secretly and without pity

Compounds

extreme violence
  • Offensive
6 4.2

Very serious physical harm that is bloody and shocking

A person with very strict traditional political views who strongly opposes social change

extreme point
  • Specialized
1 5.4

A point farthest from the center of something

extreme unction
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A ceremony in which a priest puts oil on a dying person and prays for them

How Extreme

extreme
743 3.6
severe
577 3.5
serious
∞ 2.0
moderate
114 4.6
mild
206 1.0

Surface Forms

extreme positive
extremer comparative
extremest superlative

Etymology

Extreme comes from the Latin parts ex- 'out' and extremus 'outermost', similar to the word extra which means 'outside' or 'more'. So, to be extreme is to be at the very edge or far beyond what is usual.