Extremely vs. Really

Attribute	Extremely	Really
Intensity	Very high	High
Emphasis	Strong	Less strong
Usage	Formal or exaggerated	Informal or casual
Impact	Significant	Noticeable

Definition

Extremely and really are both adverbs that are used to intensify the meaning of an adjective or another adverb. They are often used interchangeably in everyday language, but there are subtle differences in their usage and connotations.

Intensity

One key difference between extremely and really is the level of intensity they convey. Extremely is generally considered to be more intense than really. When something is described as extremely hot, for example, it implies a higher degree of heat than if it were described as really hot.

Formality

Another difference between extremely and really is their formality. Extremely is often considered more formal than really. In academic or professional writing, extremely may be preferred over really for its more precise and sophisticated connotations.

Emphasis

Extremely is often used to place a stronger emphasis on the adjective or adverb it modifies. For example, saying "I am extremely happy" conveys a greater sense of joy than saying "I am really happy." Really, on the other hand, is more commonly used in casual conversation and may not carry the same level of emphasis.

Usage in Speech

In spoken language, both extremely and really are commonly used to intensify adjectives and adverbs. However, extremely may be used more sparingly than really in everyday conversation. People are more likely to say "I'm really tired" than "I'm extremely tired" in casual settings.

Impact on Tone

The choice between extremely and really can also impact the tone of a statement. Extremely tends to sound more formal and serious, while really can sound more casual and conversational. Consider the difference between "I am extremely grateful for your help" and "I really appreciate your help."

Common Usage

Both extremely and really are commonly used in everyday language to intensify adjectives and adverbs. However, extremely is often used in more formal contexts, such as academic writing or professional communication, while really is more commonly used in casual conversation.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between extremely and really:

• Extremely hot: The sun was extremely hot, making it difficult to stay outside for long periods of time.
• Really hot: The weather was really hot, so we decided to go to the beach to cool off.
• Extremely happy: She was extremely happy when she received the news of her promotion at work.
• Really happy: I'm really happy that you could come to my birthday party.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while extremely and really are both adverbs used to intensify adjectives and adverbs, they have subtle differences in terms of intensity, formality, emphasis, usage in speech, impact on tone, and common usage. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right word to convey the desired meaning and tone in your writing and speech.