In the extreme
phrase
To a very high degree, in an excessive or extreme way.
Her views on education are traditional in the extreme.

Often appears as...
- traditional in the extreme
- patient in the extreme
phrase
Used for emphasizing that a quality or situation is very severe or intense.
The current economic crisis is worrying in the extreme.

Often appears as...
- worrying in the extreme
- embarrassing in the extreme
phrase
To a very high degree, in an excessive or extreme way.
Her views on education are traditional in the extreme.

Often appears as...
- traditional in the extreme
- patient in the extreme
phrase
Used for emphasizing that a quality or situation is very severe or intense.
The current economic crisis is worrying in the extreme.

Often appears as...
- worrying in the extreme
- embarrassing in the extreme
Definition 1 of 2

Intensity Emphasis
Use 'in the extreme' to highlight extremely intense qualities or behaviors.

His dedication to his job is punctual in the extreme.
Negative Connotation
The phrase often suggests a quality has moved beyond normal to potentially negative.

Her frugality is economical in the extreme, bordering on stinginess.
Subtle Critique
Can imply that an extreme degree of something may not be entirely positive.

His approach to problem-solving is cautious in the extreme.
Intensity Emphasis
Use 'in the extreme' to highlight extremely intense qualities or behaviors.

His dedication to his job is punctual in the extreme.
Negative Connotation
The phrase often suggests a quality has moved beyond normal to potentially negative.

Her frugality is economical in the extreme, bordering on stinginess.
Subtle Critique
Can imply that an extreme degree of something may not be entirely positive.

His approach to problem-solving is cautious in the extreme.
Intensity Emphasis
Use 'in the extreme' to highlight extremely intense qualities or behaviors.

His dedication to his job is punctual in the extreme.
Negative Connotation
The phrase often suggests a quality has moved beyond normal to potentially negative.

Her frugality is economical in the extreme, bordering on stinginess.
Subtle Critique
Can imply that an extreme degree of something may not be entirely positive.

His approach to problem-solving is cautious in the extreme.
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