Use 'extremely' to emphasize that something is at the very top of a scale.
30초 단어
- An adverb used to indicate a very high degree.
- Placed before adjectives or adverbs to add emphasis.
- Conveys a stronger intensity than the word very.
Overview
'Extremely' serves as an intensifier in English, functioning as a degree adverb. It indicates that the following descriptor is present in an exceptional or significant amount. Usage Patterns: It is almost exclusively used to modify adjectives (e.g., extremely cold) or other adverbs (e.g., extremely quickly). It is rarely used to modify verbs or nouns directly. Common Contexts: You will encounter this word in both professional and casual settings. In professional contexts, it is used to describe urgency or high standards (e.g., 'The deadline is extremely tight'). In casual conversation, it is used to express strong personal reactions (e.g., 'That movie was extremely funny'). Similar Words: While 'very' is the most common intensifier, 'extremely' carries a stronger connotation, suggesting that the limit of the quality has been reached. Other alternatives like 'incredibly' or 'highly' are often interchangeable but may carry slightly different nuances depending on the specific adjective they modify.
사용 참고사항
Extremely is a neutral adverb suitable for almost all registers. However, avoid overusing it in academic writing, where more precise adjectives might be preferred. Always ensure it precedes the adjective it modifies to avoid confusion.
자주 하는 실수
A common mistake is using 'extremely' with non-gradable adjectives, such as 'extremely perfect'. Since 'perfect' is an absolute state, it cannot be intensified; use 'absolutely perfect' instead.
암기 팁
Think of the word 'extreme' as the limit. If something is 'extremely' hot, it is at the limit of how hot it can be.
어원
Derived from the adjective 'extreme', which comes from the Latin 'extremus', meaning 'outermost' or 'last'. The suffix '-ly' was added to transform the adjective into an adverb.
문화적 맥락
In English-speaking cultures, using 'extremely' is a common way to show enthusiasm or urgency. It is widely understood and used across all English dialects.
예시
The water in the lake is extremely cold.
everydayThe water in the lake is extremely cold.
We are extremely grateful for your support.
formalWe are extremely grateful for your support.
That pizza was extremely good!
informalThat pizza was extremely good!
The data shows an extremely significant correlation.
academicThe data shows an extremely significant correlation.
어휘 가족
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
extremely well
to a very high standard
extremely busy
having a lot to do
extremely rare
not found often
자주 혼동되는 단어
Extremely is a stronger intensifier than very. Use extremely when you want to emphasize that the quality is at a near-maximum level.
Highly is often used with abstract adjectives like 'highly recommended' or 'highly controversial', whereas extremely describes physical or emotional states.
문법 패턴
Pairing with adjectives
Use extremely with gradable adjectives to show intensity. It helps your listener understand exactly how high the level of the quality is.
Avoid double intensifiers
Do not combine extremely with other intensifiers like 'very' or 'quite' in the same phrase. Saying 'extremely very cold' is grammatically incorrect.
Polite emphasis in English
In British and American English, using 'extremely' can help make requests sound more serious. For example, saying 'I am extremely sorry' sounds more sincere than just 'I am sorry'.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
The weather today is ___ hot, so please stay inside.
Extremely is the standard intensifier for the adjective 'hot' in this context.
Identify the correct usage of the word.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Extremely must modify an adjective (successful), not a noun or a verb.
Rearrange the words to form a correct sentence.
was / difficult / the / extremely / exam
The adverb must be placed before the adjective it modifies.
🎉 점수: /3
자주 묻는 질문
4 질문While it works with most adjectives, it sounds unnatural with 'extreme' adjectives like 'freezing' or 'terrifying' because those words already imply a high degree. In those cases, use 'absolutely' instead.
It is neutral and can be used in almost any context, from casual emails to formal academic reports.
No, extremely is an adverb and must modify an adjective or another adverb. You cannot say 'an extremely person'; you must say 'an extremely kind person'.
'Extremely' is generally considered more precise and slightly more formal than 'really'. It carries more weight in a descriptive sentence.
Summary
Use 'extremely' to emphasize that something is at the very top of a scale.
- An adverb used to indicate a very high degree.
- Placed before adjectives or adverbs to add emphasis.
- Conveys a stronger intensity than the word very.
Pairing with adjectives
Use extremely with gradable adjectives to show intensity. It helps your listener understand exactly how high the level of the quality is.
Avoid double intensifiers
Do not combine extremely with other intensifiers like 'very' or 'quite' in the same phrase. Saying 'extremely very cold' is grammatically incorrect.
Polite emphasis in English
In British and American English, using 'extremely' can help make requests sound more serious. For example, saying 'I am extremely sorry' sounds more sincere than just 'I am sorry'.
예시
4 / 4The water in the lake is extremely cold.
The water in the lake is extremely cold.
We are extremely grateful for your support.
We are extremely grateful for your support.
That pizza was extremely good!
That pizza was extremely good!
The data shows an extremely significant correlation.
The data shows an extremely significant correlation.
