extremely
adverb
Words nearby extremely
VOCAB BUILDER
What does extremely mean?
Extremely means to a very great degree—exceedingly. Instead of saying I’m very very tired, you could say I’m extremely tired.
Extremely is the adverb form of the adjective extreme, which means of the highest degree or intensity. Extremely is almost always used to modify (describe) adjectives and almost never verbs. It emphasizes or intensifies the meaning of the adjective and indicates that its level is far beyond the ordinary.
Example: At some times during the winter, it gets so extremely cold here that it’s dangerous to go outside for more than a minute.
Where does extremely come from?
The first records of extremely come from the 1500s. It’s a combination of the adjective extreme and the suffix -ly, which is used to form adverbs. Extreme comes from the Latin extrēmus, meaning “outermost,” from exterus, “on the outside.” The same root is the basis of the word exterior.
Modifying an adjective with extremely is done to emphasize that it’s really out there—far beyond the range of normal. Extremely is usually used as an intensifier, meaning that it’s used to increase the degree of the adjective that’s being used to describe something. It’s commonly used to emphasize how someone is feeling, whether it’s cold, busy, hungry, sorry, upset, tired, angry, disturbed, or anything else—adding extremely means the feeling is intense. Even if such a statement is an exaggeration, extremely is still being used for emphasis, in exactly the same way that very is used, especially when you say very very.
Extremely can be used with all kinds of adjectives, except perhaps ones that can’t get any more extreme. For example, you wouldn’t say a road is extremely paved.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms of extremely?
- extreme (adjective)
What are some synonyms for extremely?
- very very
- exceedingly
- immensely
- extraordinarily
What are some words that share a root or word element with extremely?
What are some words that often get used in discussing extremely?
How is extremely used in real life?
Extremely is often used to emphasize how strong an emotion or feeling is, or to exaggerate something to draw attention to it.
I'M ACTUALLY CRYING MY ART MADE IT AS A COVER OF A ZINE!!!!! AND ONE THAT I'M EXTREMELY EXCITED ABOUT!!!!!!!
— Juju @ Still has not beaten FF7R oops (@GaiaGrand) April 10, 2020
Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset? Does it really matter now??
— Asala (@asalaim_) April 6, 2020
I'm apparently the only person who, in the extremely unlikely event that I won a Pulitzer, would not feel "humbled."
— Isaac Chotiner (@IChotiner) April 17, 2018
Try using extremely!
Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of extremely?
A. immensely
B. remarkably
C. exceedingly
D. moderately