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

1. to an extreme degree
   • extremely cold
   • extremely unpleasant
2. 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