extremely
ihks-TREEM-lee
Extremely (adv) means to a very great or intense degree. Example: “The soup was extremely hot, so I waited before eating it.”
adv
1
To a very great or intense degree.
"The soup was extremely hot, so I waited before eating it."
"The test results were extremely encouraging."
"She was extremely tired after the long flight."
How to use extremely
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA strong intensifier meaning "very" or "to a high degree."
Common pairings
extremely difficult
extremely happy
extremely rare
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more extremely
- Superlative
- most extremely
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The soup was _____ hot, so I waited before eating it.
Etymology
Formed from "extreme" + the adverb suffix -ly.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for extremely
See all rhymes for extremely →Frequently asked questions
What does “extremely” mean?
The word “extremely” means to a very great or intense degree. In plain terms, a strong intensifier meaning "very" or "to a high degree.".
How do you pronounce “extremely”?
“Extremely” is pronounced ihks-TREEM-lee (/ɪksˈtɹimli/ in IPA).
How do you use “extremely” in a sentence?
Here is “extremely” used in a sentence: “The test results were extremely encouraging.”
What part of speech is “extremely”?
“Extremely” is an adverb.
Is “extremely” a common word?
“Extremely” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'extremely' and 'very'?
Both intensify a word, but 'extremely' is stronger than 'very'. 'Very cold' is uncomfortable; 'extremely cold' is near the limit of what you can bear. 'Very' is the everyday intensifier, while 'extremely' pushes a quality to its highest degree. Reach for 'extremely' when 'very' does not feel strong enough.
Is 'extremely' formal or informal?
'Extremely' is neutral and works in both formal and casual writing — reports, essays, and conversation alike. It is emphatic rather than slangy, so it suits professional contexts. In very formal writing some prefer 'exceptionally' or 'remarkably', but 'extremely' is always acceptable and widely understood.
What is an example of 'extremely' in a sentence?
You might say, 'The exam was extremely difficult,' meaning it was hard to the highest degree. Other examples include 'She was extremely kind to us' or 'It is extremely important to arrive on time.' In each case, 'extremely' intensifies the word that follows it.
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