English Reference
adjective · noun

extreme

adj. · n.
US /ɛkˈstɹim/ UK /ɛkstɹˈiːm/ ex·treme

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.used to describe a feeling or condition that is very strong or at the highest level.

    adj.denoting the greatest or highest degree of a quality or condition; intense.

    Simple

    The hikers struggled to walk in the extreme heat of the desert afternoon.

    In context

    The research team faced extreme conditions during the winter expedition, with temperatures frequently dropping below forty degrees Celsius.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.much more than what is usual, reasonable, or expected.

    adj.exceeding the bounds of moderation; excessive or radical in nature.

    Simple

    His extreme views on politics made it difficult for him to agree with his colleagues.

    In context

    The government was forced to take extreme measures to stabilize the currency after the sudden market crash.

    excessiveradicalimmoderate
  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Sport

    adj.describing sports that are very dangerous or difficult.

    adj.relating to sports or activities that involve a high level of physical risk and specialized gear.

    Simple

    Skydiving and mountain climbing are popular extreme sports for people who love excitement.

    In context

    The documentary explores why certain athletes are drawn to extreme sports despite the significant risk of life-altering injury.

    hazardoushigh risk
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the furthest possible point or the highest level of something.

    n.the utmost point, degree, or condition of something.

    Simple

    The two brothers are at opposite extremes when it comes to being organized.

    In context

    The philosopher argued that virtue often lies in the middle ground between two extremes of human behavior.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Technical Math

    n.the first and last numbers in a mathematical ratio.

    n.the first and last terms of a proportion or series.

    Simple

    In the ratio one to two equals three to six, one and six are the extremes.

    In context

    To solve the proportion, the student multiplied the extremes and compared the result to the product of the means.

    Usage

    In the proportion a:b = c:d, 'a' and 'd' are the extremes.

Usage extreme heat · extreme weather · concurrent extreme


Borrowed into late Middle English from Old French extreme, from Latin extrēmus, the superlative of exter.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin extrēmus
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated