Extremity: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ฅ
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extremity

 

[ ษชkหˆstrษ›mษชti ]

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.

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Word Description / Examples
extremity

Used when referring to the farthest or most extreme point of something, often in a physical sense or in describing extreme conditions.

  • The climbers reached the extremity of the mountain.
  • In the extremity of poverty, they had nothing to eat.
limit

Utilized when specifying the maximum extent or boundary of a range, often with a numeric or defined constraint. Can imply restriction.

  • The speed limit on this road is 60 miles per hour.
  • There is a limit to how much you can carry.
boundary

Best used when describing a physical or metaphorical line that marks the limits of an area or concept.

  • The river forms the boundary between the two countries.
  • It's important to set boundaries in relationships.
end

Commonly used to denote the final part of something, including time periods and physical spaces. Often has a neutral connotation.

  • We stayed until the end of the movie.
  • The end of the street is at the traffic light.

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.

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Word Description / Examples
extremity

Used to describe the farthest point or limit of something, particularly in relation to physical position or an extreme condition.

  • The mountaineers reached the extremity of the glacier
  • His health was pushed to its extremity
crisis

Refers to a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger, often requiring immediate action and decision-making.

  • The company faced a financial crisis
  • During the crisis, emergency services were overwhelmed
emergency

Refers to a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.

  • She called 911 because of a medical emergency
  • The firefighters responded quickly to the emergency
dire straits

Describes a situation of extreme distress or difficulty, suggesting a desperate situation.

  • After losing his job, he found himself in dire straits
  • The refugees are in dire straits and need urgent assistance

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
extremity

Use this word when describing the farthest point or limit of something, physically or metaphorically. Often, it implies a state of being at the maximum limit.

  • The extremity of their journey left them exhausted.
  • She found herself in the extremity of despair.
intensity

This term is appropriate when referring to the degree of force, strength, or seriousness of something. It often suggests something powerful and strong.

  • The intensity of the storm surprised everyone.
  • Their relationship had a unique intensity.
passion

Use this word to describe a strong and barely controllable emotion, particularly referring to love, enthusiasm, or anger. It often implies a deep, powerful feeling.

  • She has a passion for painting.
  • His passion for justice drove him to become a lawyer.
emotion

This word is best used to describe feelings and states of mind such as happiness, anger, fear, etc. It is a broad term for any mental response.

  • He couldn't hide his emotion during the speech.
  • Joy is a pleasant emotion.

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น extremidade

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เค‚เคค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Extremitรคt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ujung

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบั€ะฐะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ koล„czyna

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ซฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท extrรฉmitรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ extremidad

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท uรง

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุทุฑู

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ konฤetina

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ konฤatina

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆœซ็ซฏ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ okonฤina

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รบtlimur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะตั‚ะบั– ะฝาฏะบั‚ะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒ˜แƒ“แƒ”

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ uc

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.