Extremes
/ɪkˈstriːmz/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe highest or lowest point, degree, or intensity; the furthest point in any direction.
/ɪkˈstriːmz/
The highest or lowest point of something, or a situation
The weather in the desert can have extreme temperature variations between day and night.
💡 Simply: Imagine a thermometer. The extremes are the very hottest and very coldest temperatures. It's like the most of something, either a lot or a very little.
👶 For kids: The most or least of something, like the very top or the very bottom.
More Examples
He went to the extreme of giving up all of his possessions.
The political debate often focuses on the extremes of each argument.
How It's Used
"The company's profits showed extreme variations over the past year."
"The city experienced temperature extremes during the summer."
"Political extremes often polarize society."
A point or instance of being furthest from a center, or beyond a certain point or limit.
/ɪkˈstriːmz/
A state or instance of being at the furthest degree
She went to extremes to finish her project on time.
💡 Simply: When someone goes to extremes, they do things that are way out there. It's like they've pushed the limit.
👶 For kids: Going way, way far or doing something extra special.
More Examples
The athlete trained to extremes to win the competition.
In an attempt to get a bargain, she went to extremes.
How It's Used
"He went to extremes to protect his family."
"Some extreme sports are dangerous."
"She expressed her joy to extremes."
Idioms & expressions
in the extreme
To a very great degree; intensely.
"He was behaving in the extreme."
go to extremes
To do things that are much more than necessary or usual.
"He'll go to extremes to win the competition."
From the Latin *extremus* meaning "farthest, outermost." It is the plural of "extreme", which developed from the comparative adjective *exterior* (outer).
Used from the late 14th century, referring to the furthest point or end of something. Its usage expanded over time to include abstract concepts.