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

Sarah said Ella was coming home in extreme moods, sometimes angry, sometimes very emotional.

From BBC

“On extreme heat days, access to air conditioning can be a matter of life and death, and they should have the option to use it,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Gustavson was jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years at the Old Bailey in 2024 for leading an extreme body modification ring.

From BBC

Our culture teaches us that disappearing into another person’s heart is what “love” means, and women, especially, are taught not only to seek this kind of extreme attachment, but that they are worthless without it.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the more frequently cited reasons in local media and by politicians is crime, specifically the rise of organised crime, with young perpetrators used to commit extreme violence.

From BBC

Related Words

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