What does "extreme" mean?

1. (very great or intense) used to describe a feeling or condition that is very strong or at the highest level. 2. (far beyond the norm) much more than what is usual, reasonable, or expected. 3. (dangerous sports) describing sports that are very dangerous or difficult. 4. (the highest degree) the furthest possible point or the highest level of something. 5. (math proportions) the first and last numbers in a mathematical ratio.

How do you use "extreme"?

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

extreme

adj. · n.

US //ɛkˈstɹim// UK //ɛkstɹˈiːm// ex·treme

1 very great or intense (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

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

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

Example

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

Example

The research team faced extreme conditions during the winter expedition, with temperatures frequently dropping below forty degrees Celsius.
- mild
- slight
2 far beyond the norm (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

Example

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

Example

The government was forced to take extreme measures to stabilize the currency after the sudden market crash.
- excessive
- radical
- immoderate
- moderate
- reasonable

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3 dangerous sports (adj.)
B1 Intermediate Sport

describing sports that are very dangerous or difficult.

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

Example

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

Example

The documentary explores why certain athletes are drawn to extreme sports despite the significant risk of life-altering injury.
- hazardous
- high risk
- safe
4 the highest degree (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the furthest possible point or the highest level of something.

the utmost point, degree, or condition of something.

Example

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

Example

The philosopher argued that virtue often lies in the middle ground between two extremes of human behavior.
5 math proportions (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Math

the first and last numbers in a mathematical ratio.

the first and last terms of a proportion or series.

Example

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

Example

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.
- means

Origin

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