The spelling of the word "extreme" may seem complicated at first glance, but it follows the simple rule of using the letter "x" to represent the "ks" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ɪkˈstriːm/, with the stressed syllable being the second one. The "k" sound is represented by the letter "c" before the "s", while the "ee" sound is represented by the letter "e" and "e" at the end is silent. Overall, the spelling of "extreme" may seem daunting, but it is just following the regular phonetic rules.
The term "extreme" is an adjective used to describe something that goes beyond the usual or normal boundaries, conventions, or limits. It implies a state or condition that is farthest or intense in action, degree, or behavior.
In the context of physical attributes or conditions, "extreme" denotes something that is at the utmost end of a spectrum or scale. This could include situations characterized by the highest or lowest temperatures, highest altitudes, or greatest sizes. For example, extreme heat refers to extraordinarily high temperatures, while extreme cold refers to intensely low temperatures.
When applied to emotions or attitudes, "extreme" relates to the furthest or most intense manifestation of a particular state or feeling. It implies a state characterized by excessive or exaggerated characteristics, such as extreme happiness, extreme sadness, extreme anger, or extreme excitement.
Furthermore, "extreme" can be used to portray actions, behaviors, or ideologies that are significantly outside of societal norms or conventional boundaries. It suggests the presence of intense or radical characteristics, often associated with a certain group or ideology. Examples of this include extreme sports, extreme political views, or extreme religious beliefs.
Overall, "extreme" signifies the presence of qualities, conditions, or actions that surpass the conventional or usual limits, often implying intensity, rarity, or deviance from the norm.
• Furthest; outermost; most violent; highest in degree; most pressing; rigorous; strict.
• That part which terminates; utmost point.
• What are furthest distant from each other.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "extreme" originated from the Latin word "extremus", which means "utmost" or "farthest". It is derived from the combination of "ex" meaning "out" or "beyond" and "termus" meaning "end". Over time, the word's meaning evolved to refer to something that is at the furthest or utmost point, either in terms of physical distance or intensity.