extremity

/iks'tremiti/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The farthest point or part of something: The outermost or most remote section of a physical object or geographical area.
    • The most extreme degree or limit of something: The highest intensity or most severe level of a condition, feeling, or state.
    • A condition of extreme adversity or difficulty: A state of severe hardship, distress, or need.
    • (Usually plural: extremities) The terminal parts of the limbs: The hands and feet, or more broadly, the parts of the limbs farthest from the torso.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • The ship was found at the northern extremity of the island. (Referring to the farthest geographical point.)
    • His generosity was tested to its extremity. (Referring to the utmost degree of a quality.)
    • They suffered the extremity of poverty. (Referring to a state of severe hardship.)
    • In cold weather, protect your extremities—your fingers and toes. (Referring to the limbs' terminal parts.)
Advanced Usage
  • "To be driven to extremity": To be forced into a situation where one must take desperate or severe measures.
    • The siege drove the defenders to extremity.
  • "The last extremity": The final point of endurance or the worst possible situation.
    • They fought to the last extremity.
Variants and Related Words
  • Extreme (adj/n): Reaching a high or the highest degree; very great. / The highest or most extreme degree of something.
    • extreme weather conditions
  • Extremism (n): The holding of extreme political or religious views.
    • a crackdown on religious extremism
  • Extremist (n/adj): A person who holds extreme views. / Holding extreme views.
    • an extremist group
Synonyms
  • Limit: The furthest point of something.
  • Apex: The top or highest part.
  • Ultimate: The best achievable or imaginable of its kind; fundamental.
  • Edge: The outside limit of an object, area, or surface.
Related Phrases
  • In extremity: In a very difficult or dangerous situation.
    • The doctor said the patient was in extremity.
  • Reduce to extremity: To bring someone to a state of great hardship or desperation.
    • The war reduced the civilian population to extremity.
Related Idioms
  • At the extremity of: At the very end or limit of something.
    • The lighthouse stands at the extremity of the cape.
  • Go to the extremity of (doing something): To do something very extreme or drastic.
    • He went to the extremity of selling his house to fund the project.
Noun
  1. that part of a limb that is farthest from the torso
  2. the outermost or farthest region or point
  3. the greatest or utmost degree
    • the extremity of despair
  4. an extreme condition or state (especially of adversity or disease)
  5. an external body part that projects from the body
    • it is important to keep the extremities warm