Extremely vs. Extremly – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is extremely, an adverb used to emphasize an adjective or another adverb, meaning “to a very great degree.” The spelling “extremly” is a common misspelling and is not recognized as a valid word in standard English.
Extremely or Extremly – Which is Correct?
The core difference between “extremely” and “extremly” is quite straightforward: one is correct, and the other is a misspelling. Extremely is the only correct spelling and is a widely used adverb in the English language. Extremly, on the other hand, is an incorrect variant, often resulting from a common phonetic confusion or simple typographical error.
The root cause of this misspelling often lies in how we pronounce the word. In spoken English, the ‘e’ before the ‘l’ in “extremely” can be very subtle or almost silent, leading some to mistakenly omit it when writing. However, the ‘e’ is crucial for the correct spelling and grammatical formation of the adverb from its root adjective, “extreme.”
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember that “extremely” is the correct spelling, focus on its root word: extreme. Since “extreme” ends with an ‘e’, it retains that ‘e’ when the suffix ‘-ly’ is added to form the adverb. Think of it as: extreme + ly = extremely. If you remember that the adjective has an ‘e’ at the end, you’ll remember to keep it for the adverb.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extremely | Adverb | To a very great degree; exceedingly. | The weather was extremely cold last night. |
| Extremly | Misspelling | Incorrect spelling of “extremely.” | (Incorrect) The situation was extremly difficult. |
How to Use Extremely
The word “extremely” is an adverb used to intensify the meaning of adjectives and other adverbs. It conveys a sense of “to a very great degree” or “exceedingly.” It is a versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts to add emphasis. However, overusing it can sometimes weaken its impact, so it’s best used strategically.
Example 1: She was extremely happy with the results of her exam.
Example 2: The new software performed extremely well under pressure.
Example 3: It is extremely important to follow the safety guidelines.
What are the different forms of Extremely?
“Extremely” is an adverb derived from the adjective “extreme.” As an adverb, it does not typically change its form for tense, pluralization, or degrees of comparison in the same way adjectives or verbs do. However, its root adjective “extreme” can have comparative and superlative forms, though “extremely” itself remains constant.
The adjective “extreme” can be compared: extreme (positive), more extreme (comparative), most extreme (superlative). The adverb “extremely” modifies these forms (e.g., “an extremely extreme idea” would be redundant, but “an extremely difficult task” is correct).
Etymology of the word Extremely
The word “extremely” traces its origins back to the Latin word extremus, meaning “outermost, utmost, furthest, last.” This Latin root evolved into the Old French extreme, which then entered Middle English as “extreme” around the 14th century, referring to the furthest point or highest degree. The adverbial suffix “-ly” was added to the adjective “extreme” to form “extremely” in the 15th century, denoting “to an extreme degree.”
Related Concepts
Understanding related grammatical concepts can help solidify your grasp of words like “extremely” and avoid common errors.
- Adverbs of Degree: “Extremely” belongs to a category of adverbs known as adverbs of degree. These adverbs modify adjectives or other adverbs to indicate the intensity or extent of an action or quality (e.g., very, quite, rather, so, too). They answer the question “how much?” or “to what extent?”
- Common Misspellings: The error “extremly” is a classic example of a common misspelling caused by phonetic spelling or omitting a silent letter. Other similar misspellings include “definately” instead of “definitely” or “enviroment” instead of “environment.” Paying attention to such patterns helps improve overall spelling accuracy.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “It was extremely hot, and the air was thick with the smell of dust and dry vegetation.” – Gabriel Garcia Marquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude
- “The new policy is extremely unpopular with the public, according to recent polls.” – The New York Times, June 2, 2026
- “I found the experience extremely challenging, but ultimately rewarding.” – Interview with a climber on National Geographic
- “He was extremely careful not to make a sound as he crept through the dark house.” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- “The team worked extremely hard to meet the tight deadline, delivering an impressive final product.” – Business Insider report
Extremely Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Very | To a great extent or degree. |
| Exceedingly | To an unusually great degree; extremely. |
| Highly | To a great degree; very. |
| Remarkably | In a way that is worthy of attention; notably. |
| Uncommonly | To an unusual or exceptional degree. |
| Terribly | Used for emphasis, especially with adjectives describing unpleasant qualities. |
| Incredibly | To an extraordinary degree; extremely. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “extremly” ever correct in any context?
No, “extremly” is never correct. It is a misspelling of “extremely” and should be avoided in all forms of writing.
Question 2: How can I remember to spell “extremely” correctly every time?
A good trick is to remember its root word, “extreme.” Since “extreme” ends with an ‘e’, you simply add ‘-ly’ to form “extremely,” keeping the ‘e’ intact. Think: EXTREME + LY = EXTREMELY.
Question 3: What part of speech is “extremely”?
“Extremely” is an adverb. It typically modifies adjectives or other adverbs to indicate intensity or degree.
Conclusion
In the choice between “extremely” and “extremly,” the answer is clear: extremely is the only correct spelling. “Extremly” is a common misspelling that should be corrected whenever encountered. By remembering the root adjective “extreme” and its final ‘e’, you can consistently use the correct form of this powerful adverb.
Pro Tip: Accurate spelling, especially of frequently used adverbs like “extremely,” contributes significantly to your credibility and professionalism in any written communication. Double-checking your spelling, particularly of words that are often phonetically misrepresented, is an extremely valuable habit.
