extreme Meaning & Definition
What Does Extreme Mean?
As an adjective, extreme means Of a place, the most remote, farthest or outermost. It is also used to mean In the greatest or highest degree; intense. As a noun, it means The greatest or utmost point, degree, or condition. As an adverb, it means Extremely.
Extreme: Key Facts
| Part of speech | adjective, noun, adverb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ɪkˈstɹiːm/ |
| Synonyms | intense, distant and utmost |
| Plural | extremes |
| Comparative / superlative | extremer, extremest |
Extreme Definition (Adjective)
- Of a place, the most remote, farthest or outermost.
At the extreme edges, the coating is very thin.
- In the greatest or highest degree; intense.
He has an extreme aversion to needles, and avoids visiting the doctor.
- Excessive, or far beyond the norm.
His extreme love of model trains showed in the rails that criscrossed his entire home.
- Drastic, or of great severity.
I think the new laws are extreme, but many believe them necessary for national security.
- Of sports, difficult or dangerous; performed in a hazardous environment.
Television has begun to reflect the growing popularity of extreme sports such as bungee jumping and skateboarding.
- Ultimate, final or last.
the extreme hour of life
Extreme as a Noun
- The greatest or utmost point, degree, or condition.
- Each of the things at opposite ends of a range or scale.
extremes of temperature
- One of the last moments of life.
- A drastic expedient.
Some people go to extremes for attention on social media.
- Hardships, straits.
- Either of the two numbers at the ends of a proportion, as 1 and 6 in 1:2=3:6.
Extreme as an Adverb
- Extremely.
Synonyms of Extreme
Extreme synonyms and antonyms →Extreme in a Sentence
At the extreme edges, the coating is very thin.
He has an extreme aversion to needles, and avoids visiting the doctor.
His extreme love of model trains showed in the rails that criscrossed his entire home.
I think the new laws are extreme, but many believe them necessary for national security.
Television has begun to reflect the growing popularity of extreme sports such as bungee jumping and skateboarding.
the extreme hour of life
extremes of temperature
Some people go to extremes for attention on social media.
Word Forms & Grammar
extreme (comparative extremer or more extreme, superlative extremest or most extreme)
extreme (plural extremes)
extreme (comparative more extreme, superlative most extreme)
Words That Rhyme With Extreme
Origin of Extreme
Borrowed into late Middle English from Old French extreme, from Latin extrēmus, the superlative of exter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Extreme
Is extreme an adjective or a noun?
Extreme is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun and an adverb.
What is another word for extreme?
Close synonyms of extreme are intense, distant and utmost. See the full list of extreme synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of extreme?
The plural of extreme is extremes.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of extreme?
The comparative form is extremer and the superlative form is extremest.