adj
extreme
ihk-STREEM
adj
1
Of the greatest possible degree or intensity.
"The region suffered extreme heat all summer."
"He took extreme measures to protect his family."
2
Very far from what is moderate or normal, especially in views or behaviour.
"Her political views became more extreme after the scandal."
noun
1
The furthest or highest point of something; one end of a range.
"The two extremes of the debate rarely find common ground."
How to Use Extreme
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAt the very edge or highest degree of something — intensity, opinion, or distance.
Common pairings
extreme weather
extreme measures
go to extremes
extreme views
Word Forms
extremer comparative, more extreme comparative, more extreme comparative, extremes plural, extremest superlative, most extreme superlative, most extreme superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “extreme”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The region suffered _____ heat all summer.
Etymology
From Latin extrēmus, the superlative form of exter ("outer") — literally "outermost."