Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality or state of being extreme: The condition of being very great in degree, intensity, or severity; the fact of being far from the ordinary, moderate, or average.
   • The quality of being utmost or farthest: The state of being at the furthest limit or point.
   • The quality of being radical or uncompromising: The characteristic of holding very strong, absolute, or unconventional views.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The extremeness of the weather made travel dangerous. (The very severe quality of the weather created hazardous conditions.)
  • We were shocked by the extremeness of his political views. (We were surprised by the radical, uncompromising quality of his political opinions.)
  • The extremeness of the mountain's peak attracts expert climbers. (The quality of being the utmost, farthest point draws skilled mountaineers.)

Advanced Usage

• In philosophical or logical contexts: Can refer to a position at the furthest end of a spectrum or continuum.
  • The argument was criticized for its logical extremeness, leaving no room for nuance.
• In statistical or scientific contexts: Can describe an outlier or a value far from the mean.
  • The data point was notable for its statistical extremeness.

Variants and Related Words

• Extreme (adj/noun): (adj) Reaching a high or the highest degree; very great. (noun) Either of two things that are as different from each other as possible.
• Extremist (noun/adj): (noun) A person who holds extreme political or religious views. (adj) Holding extreme views.
• Extremism (noun): The holding of extreme political or religious views; fanaticism.

Synonyms

• Intensity: The quality of being intense; extreme strength, force, or feeling.
• Severity: The fact or condition of being severe; extreme strictness, harshness, or intensity.
• Radicalism: The beliefs or actions of people who advocate thorough or complete political or social reform.

Related Phrases

• To an extreme degree: To a very great or intense extent.
  • He pursued his hobbies to an extreme degree.
• In the extreme: To the utmost point or limit; extremely.
  • His behavior was reckless in the extreme.

Related Idioms

• Go to extremes / Take something to extremes: To do or say something in a way that is far from moderate or reasonable.
  • In his dieting, he often goes to extremes, which worries his family.

Noun

1. the quality of being extreme