What is extremely? Pronunciation and usage in English

extremely means . Learn how to pronounce and use extremely through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of extremely

extremelyadverb

/ɪkˈstriːmli//ɛkˈstriːmli/
Definition & pronunciation of extremely

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "extremely" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable by Syllable:

  • Ex- – Pronounced like "eks" (as in the letter "x"). A short, sharp sound.
  • tremely – This is where it gets tricky! Let's break this part down further:
    • trem- – Pronounce this as “trem” - similar to the word "tremble". It’s a quick, slightly rolled ‘r’ sound.
    • -ly – This is a common English suffix and is pronounced "lee."

2. Putting it Together (the full word):

eks-TREM-lee

Here's a more detailed breakdown with sounds:

  • eks: [ɛks] (The “e” sounds like the “e” in “bed.”)
  • TREM: [trɛm] (The ‘t’ is lightly tapped, and the ‘m’ is a standard ‘m’ sound. The emphasis is clearly on this syllable.)
  • lee: [liː] (The ‘ee’ sound as in “see.”)

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: “TREM”.
  • The "r" sound: Don’t over-emphasize the “r” in “trem.” It's a quick, subtle sound. Think of it almost as a "d" sound blended with an 'r'.
  • Don’t say “ex-tree-muh-free.” That’s a common mistake. It’s all one flow.

Resources for Hearing It:

  • YouTube: Search for "How to pronounce extremely" on YouTube. You'll find many videos with native speakers demonstrating the pronunciation. (e.g., https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eLmVb6o6rQc)
  • Forvo: This website (https://forvo.com/word/extremely/) lets you hear the word pronounced by native speakers from different regions.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?
  • Do you have any particular pronunciation challenges you're facing with this word?

Usage and examples with the word extremely in English

Let's break down how to use "extremely" effectively in English. It's a versatile word, but it needs to be used judiciously to avoid overusing it and sounding repetitive.

1. Basic Meaning & Usage:

  • Core Meaning: "Extremely" means "to a very high degree" or "to an exceptional extent." It emphasizes a level that goes beyond ordinary or average.

  • Common Uses:

    • Describing Intensity: This is its most frequent use.
      • "The weather is extremely hot today." (Much hotter than usual)
      • "I'm feeling extremely tired." (Far more tired than you normally feel)
      • "The music was extremely loud." (Much louder than typical)
    • Describing Quantity:
      • “There were extremely few apples left in the basket.” (A very small number)
      • “He made an extremely generous donation.” (A very large amount)
    • Describing Quality (with caution - see notes below):
      • "That was an extremely embarrassing moment." (Much more embarrassing than a normal one, but be careful - sometimes "very" is better)

2. When to Use “Extremely” (and When to Consider Alternatives)

  • It’s often stronger than "very": “Extremely” carries more weight than "very." Don't automatically swap "very" for "extremely" just to sound more dramatic. If you're describing something that’s slightly better than average, “very” is often more appropriate.

  • Consider “really”: "Really" is often a good substitute for "extremely" in many everyday situations. It's less formal.

    • "That was really good." (vs. “That was extremely good.”)

  • “Incredibly” and “remarkably”: These are good alternatives to "extremely," especially when describing something surprising or noteworthy.

    • "It was incredibly difficult."
    • "She performed remarkably well."

  • Specific Adjectives (often stronger): Sometimes, you don’t need "extremely." Using a more descriptive adjective can be more impactful.

    • Instead of: "It was extremely difficult."
    • Try: “It was challenging,” “It was arduous,” or “It was grueling.”

  • Avoid Overuse: Using “extremely” too frequently makes your writing or speech sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your vocabulary!

3. Grammatical Notes

  • Placement: "Extremely" usually comes before the adjective or adverb it modifies.

    • Correct: "He was extremely happy."
    • Incorrect: "He was happy extremely."

  • With Negative Adjectives:

    • "It was extremely unpleasant."

4. Examples – Showing Different Contexts

  • Positive: "The sunset was extremely beautiful; the colors were vibrant and breathtaking."
  • Negative: “I was extremely disappointed with the service.”
  • Describing a feeling: “I felt extremely anxious before the presentation.”
  • Describing a task: “The project was extremely complex and required a lot of teamwork.”
  • Describing a quantity: “There were extremely long lines at the supermarket.”

5. Let's Practice!

Can you rewrite these sentences, possibly using a different word than "extremely"?

  1. "The food was extremely delicious."
  2. "She was extremely nervous about the interview."
  3. "The book was extremely long."

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Help you practice using "extremely" in sentences?
  • Discuss how it's used in different contexts (e.g., formal vs. informal writing)?

Synonyms for the word extremely

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