extremely
/iks'tri:mli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: 1. To a very great degree; to an intense or exceptional extent: Used to emphasize the intensity or degree of an adjective or another adverb. 2. In the highest possible manner or measure: Used to indicate the upper limit of a quality.
Usage
The word "extremely" is used to modify adjectives and other adverbs, intensifying their meaning. It is placed directly before the word it modifies. It is a formal and strong intensifier.
Examples
- The weather was extremely cold last winter.
- She is an extremely talented musician.
- This task is extremely important for the project's success.
- The movie was extremely well-directed.
- He reacted extremely quickly to the emergency.
Advanced Usage
- "Extremely" vs. "Highly": While both are intensifiers, "highly" is often used with adjectives related to value, opinion, or status (e.g., , , ). "Extremely" has a broader application, often emphasizing a physical or intense quality (e.g., , , ).
- She is highly qualified for the position. (Focus on status/value)
- The soup is extremely spicy. (Focus on intense physical quality)
- Inversion for emphasis (formal/literary): In very formal or literary contexts, "so extremely" can be used at the beginning of a clause to create emphasis, requiring inversion of the subject and verb.
- So extremely rare is this artifact that only three exist in the world.
Variants and Related Words
- Extreme (adjective): Reaching a high or the highest degree; very great.
- They took extreme measures to ensure safety.
- Extremity (noun): The furthest point or limit; a condition of extreme difficulty.
- The northern extremity of the island.
Synonyms
- Exceedingly: To a very great degree.
- Exceptionally: To an unusual degree; outstandingly.
- Intensely: With extreme force, strength, or feeling.
- Remarkably: In a noteworthy or striking manner.
- Tremendously: To a very great extent; enormously.
- Very: In a high degree. (Note: "Very" is more common but less emphatic than "extremely").
Antonyms
- Slightly: To a small degree; not considerably.
- Moderately: To a certain extent; reasonably.
- Barely: Only just; almost not.
Common Collocations
- Extremely + Adjective:
- Extremely + Adverb:
Adverb
- to an extreme degree
- extremely cold
- extremely unpleasant
- to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
- highly successful
- He spoke highly of her
- does not think highly of his writing
- extremely interesting