extremely
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛkstrˈiːmli/
US
- /ɛkˈstrimli/
Description
- Very much
- Highly
- To a great degree
- Exceptionally
- More than usual
"Extremely" is stronger than very. It adds extra force to a description and shows that something is at a very high level. Think of it like turning the volume up on an adjective. If you're happy, that's nice. If you're extremely happy, you might be jumping for joy and doing a little dance.
It helps show strong intensity. A hot day is one thing; an extremely hot day means you're sweating before you even step outside! You can also use it in examples like "The concert was extremely popular," which means many people loved it. Be careful, though—if you use it too often, it can lose its power, and sometimes "very" is enough.
"Extremely" is an adverb used to make adjectives or other adverbs stronger. It shows that something exists to a very high degree. It is stronger than "very" and is used when you want to give extra emphasis. Think of it as underlining a word more than once.
You'll often see "extremely" when people talk about feelings, conditions, or qualities: "She was extremely nervous before her presentation." "The road was extremely narrow." "The concert was extremely loud." It can also modify other adverbs, showing the intensity of an action: "He ran extremely quickly to catch the bus."
While it seems simple, knowing when to use "extremely" matters. Overusing it can make your writing or speech sound exaggerated and less effective. Sometimes a more precise adjective is better than relying on "extremely." For example, instead of saying "The weather was extremely cold," you might say "The weather was freezing" or "The weather was frigid."
In many cases, though, "extremely" is the right word when you want to show that something is much stronger, greater, or more serious than usual. It's a useful way to add emphasis to your English, but it works best when you use it with care. An extremely good writer knows when it adds force and when a different word would sound better.
Examples
- 1
Temperature
The water was extremely cold.
- 2
Travel fatigue
I was extremely tired after the flight.
- 3
Lunchtime crowds
That cafe gets extremely busy at lunchtime.
- 4
Interview performance
She handled the interview extremely well.
- 5
Parking difficulty
It can be extremely difficult to find parking here after 6 p.m.
- 6
Helpful advice
Thanks for your advice. It was extremely helpful.
- 7
Money management
He's extremely careful with other people's money.
- 8
Plant care
Some plants are extremely sensitive to direct sunlight.
Pattern
sensitive to + thing
easily affected by it
- 9
Unlikely outcome
It now seems extremely unlikely that the meeting will happen today.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- extremelyadverb