extreme

[ik-streem]

adjective

extremer, extremest 

1. of a character or kind farthest removed from the ordinary or average.

   extreme measures.

2. utmost or exceedingly great in degree.

   extreme joy.

   Synonyms: superlative

3. farthest from the center or middle; outermost; endmost.

   the extreme limits of a town.

   Synonyms: uttermost, last, ultimate

4. farthest, utmost, or very far in any direction.

   an object at the extreme point of vision.

5. exceeding the bounds of moderation.

   extreme fashions.

6. going to the utmost or very great lengths in action, habit, opinion, etc..

   an extreme conservative.

   Synonyms: unreasonable, uncompromising, fanatical, excessive, immoderate, extravagant
   Antonyms: moderate

7. last or final.

   extreme hopes.

8. Chiefly Sports.,  very dangerous or difficult.

   extreme skiing.

noun

1. the utmost or highest degree, or a very high degree.

   cautious to an extreme.

2. one of two things as remote or different from each other as possible.

   the extremes of joy and grief.

3. the furthest or utmost length; an excessive length, beyond the ordinary or average.

   extremes in dress.

4. an extreme act, measure, condition, etc..

   the extreme of poverty.

5. Mathematics.

   1. the first or the last term, as of a proportion or series.

   2. a relative maximum or relative minimum value of a function in a given region.

6. Logic.,  the subject or the predicate of the conclusion of a syllogism; either of two terms that are separated in the premises and brought together in the conclusion.

7. Archaic.,  the utmost point, or extremity, of something.

extreme

/ ɪkˈstriːm /

adjective

1. being of a high or of the highest degree or intensity

   extreme cold

   extreme difficulty

2. exceeding what is usual or reasonable; immoderate

   extreme behaviour

3. very strict, rigid, or severe; drastic

   an extreme measure

4. (prenominal) farthest or outermost in direction

   the extreme boundary

5. meteorol of, relating to, or characteristic of a continental climate

noun

1. the highest or furthest degree (often in the phrases in the extreme, go to extremes )

2. (often plural) either of the two limits or ends of a scale or range of possibilities

   extremes of temperature

3. maths

   1. the first or last term of a series or a proportion

   2. a maximum or minimum value of a function

4. logic the subject or predicate of the conclusion of a syllogism

Other Word Forms

• extremeness noun
• overextreme adjective
• quasi-extreme adjective
• superextreme adjective
• superextremely adverb
• superextremeness noun
• unextreme adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of extreme¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin extrēmus “most outward,” superlative of exterus “outward”; exterior

Word History and Origins

Origin of extreme¹

C15: from Latin extrēmus outermost, from exterus on the outside; see _exterior

Synonym Study

See radical.

Example Sentences

It was not the only extreme language on display in Falkirk.

Read more on BBC

According to the scientists, this process is accompanied by the generation of particles with negative energy that is used to power extreme astrophysical phenomena like jets and plasma eruptions.

Read more on Science Daily

It also shows that the region has experienced environmental extremes before, only to return as a thriving marine ecosystem.

Read more on Science Daily

By placing nanodiamonds into specially designed hybrid nanoantennas with extreme precision, the team achieved record photon collection at room temperature -- a necessary step for quantum technologies such as quantum sensors, and quantum-secured communications.

Read more on Science Daily

For the last few years, the 62-year-old has been trying to work out how to come to terms with simultaneous extreme success and debilitating grief.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• absolute 
• dire 
• drastic 
• egregious 
• exaggerated 
• exceptional 
• excessive 
• extraordinary 
• harsh 
• irrational 
• outrageous 
• radical 
• remarkable 
• severe 
• sheer 
• unreasonable 
• unusual 
• utter