Extreme Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช๏ธ
extreme
[ษชkหstriหm ]
Definitions
sports
Reaching a high or the highest degree; very great or intense.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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extreme |
Situations or conditions that are far from average or normal.
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intense |
Situations, feelings, or activities that are very strong, forceful, or concentrated.
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severe |
Negative situations or conditions that are very bad or serious.
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extensive |
Something that covers a large area or involves a lot of detail or activity.
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Examples of usage
- The snowboarder attempted an extreme trick.
- She enjoys extreme sports like skydiving and bungee jumping.
informal
A person who holds extreme political or religious views, especially one who advocates illegal, violent, or other extreme action.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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extreme |
Generally used to describe something very intense, excessive, or beyond the usual limits. It can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context.
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radical |
Often used to describe someone who advocates for complete political or social reform. The term can also refer to something that is fundamentally different from the norm. It can have both positive and negative connotations, but is frequently associated with extreme political views.
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fanatic |
Usually refers to someone who has excessive enthusiasm or intense and often irrational zeal for a cause or activity. It often carries a negative connotation.
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zealot |
Refers to someone who is fervent and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals. Often used negatively to describe someone whose enthusiasm goes beyond reason and can lead to dangerous actions.
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Examples of usage
- He is considered an extreme by his political opponents.
- The group was labeled as extremists by the media.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In climate science, extreme weather refers to unusual or severe weather events, like hurricanes or heatwaves, which have been increasing globally.
- In psychology, extreme emotions can refer to feelings that are intensified and can lead to impulsive behavior.
Pop Culture
- Extreme sports gained popularity in the 1990s, with activities like skateboarding, motocross, and bungee jumping taking center stage.
- Movies and TV shows often portray extreme scenarios, such as survival challenges, that capture audiences' excitement.
Literature
- Writers often explore extreme characters who face significant challenges or moral dilemmas, pushing the boundaries of personal growth.
- Extreme themes like survival, love, and sacrifice feature prominently in classic literature, illustrating the human condition.
Health & Fitness
- Extreme diets, such as very low-carb or juice cleanses, often promise rapid results but can be controversial regarding health safety.
- Extreme physical training is common among athletes preparing for high-stakes competitions, pushing their limits to achieve peak performance.
Origin of 'extreme'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'extremus', meaning 'the outermost' or 'the farthest point'.
- In English, it has been used since the mid-14th century to denote something at the highest degree of a quality.
The word 'extreme' originated in the late Middle English period from the Latin word 'extremus', meaning utmost or outermost. It has been used to describe the farthest or highest point of a range or limit, both in physical and abstract contexts. Over time, 'extreme' has evolved to represent intensity, severity, or radicalness in various domains, from sports to politics.