extreme
UK: ɪkˈstriːm | US: ɪkˈstriːm
adj. 1. reaching a high or the highest degree; very great
adj. 2. far beyond the norm or conventional limits
adj. 3. severe or drastic in action or measures
n. 1. either end of a range or scale (e.g., extremes of temperature)
The word extreme traces back to Latin extremus, meaning "outermost" or "utmost." It combines exter (outer) with the superlative suffix -mus, emphasizing the farthest point or highest degree. Over time, it evolved in Middle English (via Old French extreme) to denote intensity or severity, retaining its core idea of pushing boundaries.
The athletes trained under extreme conditions to prepare for the competition.
His extreme views on politics often sparked heated debates.
She avoids extreme diets, preferring balanced nutrition.
The desert experiences extreme temperatures, from scorching days to freezing nights.
In extreme cases, the disease can lead to permanent damage.