Word
extremes
Phoneticsex·tremes, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛkˈstɹimz/
UK/ɛkstɹˈiːmz/
Definitions
01opposite ends of a scale
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun
n. the furthest points from the middle, such as the highest and lowest levels of something.
n. the most distant or opposite points on a continuum or scale.
“The weather in this region reaches extremes of heat in summer and cold in winter.”
“The political debate was dominated by the two extremes, leaving little room for those seeking a moderate compromise.”
Usage
Usually used in the plural form to describe a range between two points.
Antonyms
02excessive behavior
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun
n. actions or feelings that are very strong and not moderate.
n. actions, conditions, or qualities that are characterized by a lack of moderation or by being excessive.
“He went to extremes to make sure the party was perfect, even hiring a famous chef.”
“The explorer was known for going to great extremes to document rare species in the most inhospitable environments on Earth.”
Usage
Often appears in the phrase 'go to extremes'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/extremes