Extremity: meaning, definitions and examples

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extremity

 

[ ɪkˈstrɛmɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

physical body part

The extreme point or limit of something. The furthest point or limit of a physical body part. The condition of being extremely intense.

Synonyms

boundary, end, limit

Examples of usage

  • The extremity of the cliff was a terrifying sight.
  • She felt a sharp pain in her extremity.
  • The extremity of the situation required immediate action.
Context #2 | Noun

difficult situation

A situation of extreme difficulty or danger. A state of desperate need or distress. An extreme or intense degree.

Synonyms

crisis, dire straits, emergency

Examples of usage

  • The country was facing economic extremity.
  • He found himself in extremity with no way out.
  • The extremity of the storm was evident in the damage it caused.
Context #3 | Noun

emotional state

The state of feeling intense emotions, such as fear, anger, or sorrow. The extreme end or part of a range of emotions.

Synonyms

emotion, intensity, passion

Examples of usage

  • She was in extremity after hearing the news.
  • His extremity of joy was contagious.
  • The extremity of her grief was palpable.

Translations

Translations of the word "extremity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 extremidade

🇮🇳 अंत

🇩🇪 Extremität

🇮🇩 ujung

🇺🇦 край

🇵🇱 kończyna

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 extrémité

🇪🇸 extremidad

🇹🇷 

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 طرف

🇨🇿 končetina

🇸🇰 končatina

🇨🇳 末端

🇸🇮 okončina

🇮🇸 útlimur

🇰🇿 шеткі нүкте

🇬🇪 კიდე

🇦🇿 uc

🇲🇽 extremidad

Etymology

The word 'extremity' originated from the Latin word 'extremitas', which means 'the outermost part'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to the extreme point or limit of something. Over time, 'extremity' has come to be associated with various contexts, including physical body parts, difficult situations, and intense emotions. The term reflects the human experience of facing extremes and challenges, highlighting the resilience and vulnerability inherent in life.

See also: extremely, extremeness, extremes, extremism, extremist, extremities.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,553 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.