Extremes: meaning, definitions and examples

Describes the utmost or highest degree, often used in similar contexts as 'extremes' but can imply physical height as well as metaphorical height.

• The mountain climbers reached the extremes of their endurance.
• His talents reached extremes one could hardly imagine.

Used to describe the highest point attained by something, often temporary and related to performance or physical high points.

• The athlete peaked during the competition.
• The mountain has several rugged peaks.

Refers to the measurement of how tall or high something is, both physically and metaphorically.

• She has a fear of heights.
• He rose to great heights in his career.

Often describes the highest, most successful, or most admired point; typically implies a long journey to the top, both physically or metaphorically.

• Winning the Nobel Prize was the pinnacle of her career.
• They reached the pinnacle of the mountain after days of climbing.

Use 'extremes' when referring to two opposite ends or conditions of a scale or range.

• The weather can go to extremes here, from very hot summers to freezing winters.
• He tends to go to extremes in his political views.

Use 'intense' to describe something that is very strong or powerful in degree, but not necessarily negative.

• The heat was intense during the midday hours.
• She felt an intense passion for her work.

Use 'severe' when describing something very bad or serious in nature, often related to pain, weather, or punishment.

• The area was hit by a severe storm last night.
• He faced severe consequences for violating the rules.

Use 'extreme' when describing something that is much more severe or serious than usual, often in a negative context.

• Her extreme diet left her feeling weak and dizzy.
• The sports they engaged in were considered extreme and dangerous.