Extremely vs. Very

Attribute	Extremely	Very
Intensity	Very high	High
Emphasis	Strong	Moderate
Impact	Significant	Noticeable
Extent	Maximum	Considerable
Level	Highest	High

Definition

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

Intensity

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

Usage

While both extremely and very can be used to emphasize a quality or attribute, they are often used in different contexts. Extremely is typically used to emphasize the highest degree of a quality, while very is used to emphasize a moderate to high degree. For example, you might say "I am very happy" to express a high level of happiness, but "I am extremely happy" to convey the highest level of happiness.

Formality

Another difference between extremely and very is their level of formality. Extremely is generally considered to be more formal than very. In formal writing or speech, extremely may be preferred over very to convey a sense of precision and sophistication. Very, on the other hand, is more commonly used in everyday conversation and informal writing.

Emphasis

Extremely is often used to place a strong emphasis on a particular quality or attribute. When something is described as extremely beautiful or extremely important, it highlights the exceptional nature of that quality. Very, on the other hand, is used to emphasize a quality without necessarily implying the highest degree of that quality. For example, you might say "I am very grateful" to express gratitude without implying the highest level of gratitude.

Examples

To better understand the differences between extremely and very, let's look at some examples:

• Extremely hot: The sun was extremely hot, making it difficult to stay outside for long periods of time.
• Very hot: The weather was very hot, but a cool breeze provided some relief.
• Extremely happy: She was extremely happy when she received the good news about her promotion.
• Very happy: He was very happy with the results of his hard work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while extremely and very are both adverbs used to intensify the meaning of a quality or attribute, they have distinct differences in terms of intensity, usage, formality, emphasis, and context. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right word to convey the exact meaning you intend. Whether you opt for extremely or very, both words have their own unique strengths and can be used effectively to enhance your writing or speech.