extreme
extreme
(ɪkstriːm )Word forms: plural extremes
1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
Extreme means very great in degree or intensity.
The girls were afraid of snakes and picked their way along with extreme caution.
...people living in extreme poverty.
...the author's extreme reluctance to generalise.
2. adjective
You use extreme to describe situations and behaviour which are much more severe or unusual than you would expect, especially when you disapprove of them because of this.
[disapproval]The extreme case was Poland, where 29 parties won seats.
It is hard to imagine Lineker capable of anything so extreme.
The scheme has been condemned as extreme.
3. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
4. countable noun [usually plural]
You can use extremes to refer to situations or types of behaviour that have opposite qualities to each other, especially when each situation or type of behaviour has such a quality to the greatest degree possible.
...a 'middle way' between the extremes of success and failure. [+ of]
They can withstand extremes of temperature and weather without fading or cracking. [+ of]
5. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
The extreme end or edge of something is its furthest end or edge.
...the room at the extreme end of the corridor.
...winds from the extreme north.
