A1 noun Neutral #3,511 most common

extreme

/ɪkˈstriːm/

The highest or lowest level of something, such as very hot or very cold weather. It is a point that is very far from the middle or what is usual.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The desert has an extreme of heat during the day.

The desert has an extreme of heat during the day.

2

Scientists study the extremes of the Earth's climate.

Scientists study the extremes of the Earth's climate.

3

I cannot stay outside in the extreme of this cold weather.

I cannot stay outside in the extreme of this cold weather.

Word Family

Noun
extreme
Adverb
extremely
Adjective
extreme
Related
extremity
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Memory Tip

Think of the letter 'X' in extreme as a mark at the very end of a line; it is the furthest point you can go.

Quick Quiz

The mountain is famous for its weather __________, with very high winds and deep snow.

Correct!

The correct answer is: extremes

Examples

1

The desert has an extreme of heat during the day.

everyday

The desert has an extreme of heat during the day.

2

Scientists study the extremes of the Earth's climate.

formal

Scientists study the extremes of the Earth's climate.

3

I cannot stay outside in the extreme of this cold weather.

informal

I cannot stay outside in the extreme of this cold weather.

4

The data shows an increase in weather extremes over the last ten years.

academic

The data shows an increase in weather extremes over the last ten years.

5

Our business must prepare for every weather extreme to keep workers safe.

business

Our business must prepare for every weather extreme to keep workers safe.

Word Family

Noun
extreme
Adverb
extremely
Adjective
extreme
Related
extremity

Common Collocations

weather extremes weather extremes
climatic extremes climatic extremes
go to extremes go to extremes
extremes of temperature extremes of temperature
avoid extremes avoid extremes

Common Phrases

go to extremes

go to extremes

at the extremes

at the extremes

in the extreme

in the extreme

Often Confused With

extreme vs extremity

An extremity usually refers to a person's hand or foot, while an extreme is a high or low level of something like weather.

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Usage Notes

As a noun, it is most often used in the plural form 'extremes' when talking about weather that is both very hot and very cold.

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Common Mistakes

Do not use the adjective 'extreme' when you need a noun. For example, say 'the extremes of winter' instead of 'the extreme of winter'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the letter 'X' in extreme as a mark at the very end of a line; it is the furthest point you can go.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'extremus', meaning the most outward or farthest away.

Grammar Patterns

Often used with the definite article 'the' Commonly used in the plural form 'extremes' Usually followed by 'of' and a noun
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Cultural Context

Talking about extremes in weather is a very common way to start a conversation in many English-speaking cultures.

Quick Quiz

The mountain is famous for its weather __________, with very high winds and deep snow.

Correct!

The correct answer is: extremes

More Weather words

windy

A1

Windy is an adjective used to describe weather conditions where there is a lot of strong, moving air. It characterizes a day or a place where the wind is blowing harder than usual, often making it feel colder or causing objects to move.

foggy

A1

Foggy is an adjective used to describe weather where there is a thick cloud of tiny water droplets near the ground. It makes it very difficult to see things that are far away or even close by.

stormy

A1

Describes weather that is characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and often thunder or lightning. It can also refer to a situation or relationship marked by strong conflict or angry arguments.

overcast

A1

An overcast is a condition where the entire sky is covered with clouds and no sun can be seen. It describes a grey and dull sky that often happens before rain or during cold days.

cool

A1

Describes a temperature that is moderately cold, typically in a way that is pleasant or refreshing. It is used to describe weather that is neither hot nor very cold, often requiring a light jacket.

freezing

A1

Freezing refers to the temperature at which water turns into ice, which is 0°C or 32°F. It describes the process or the state of the weather when it is cold enough for liquid to become solid.

humid

A1

Humid describes air that feels wet, damp, and sticky because it contains a lot of water vapor. It is often used to describe hot weather that makes you feel sweaty.

wet

A1

Describes something that is covered in or full of water or another liquid. In the context of weather, it refers to a day or period when it is raining.

mild

A1

Mild describes weather that is warmer than usual for a specific time of year, especially in winter or autumn. It means the temperature is moderate and pleasant, rather than being very cold or freezing.

rain

A1

Rain is water that falls from clouds in the sky in small drops. It is a natural weather event that provides water for plants and fills rivers and lakes.

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