extremes
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the furthest points from the middle, such as the highest and lowest levels of something.
the most distant or opposite points on a continuum or scale.
Simple“The weather in this region reaches extremes of heat in summer and cold in winter.”
In context“The political debate was dominated by the two extremes, leaving little room for those seeking a moderate compromise.”
UsageUsually used in the plural form to describe a range between two points.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
actions or feelings that are very strong and not moderate.
actions, conditions, or qualities that are characterized by a lack of moderation or by being excessive.
Simple“He went to extremes to make sure the party was perfect, even hiring a famous chef.”
In context“The explorer was known for going to great extremes to document rare species in the most inhospitable environments on Earth.”
UsageOften appears in the phrase 'go to extremes'.
“Bees can thermoregulate themselves by moving heat around their body while in flight, but extremes of temperature can affect their health.”
“To put this in context, the global average over the last four decades has been that people experience about 270 hours of “hourly heat extremes” each summer.”