What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
extreme
Example
The weather conditions were extreme, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees. [extreme: adjective]
Example
She has extreme views on politics that are not shared by many people. [extreme: noun]
radical
Example
The company implemented a radical new policy that allowed employees to work from home permanently. [radical: adjective]
Example
He was known for his radical activism and protests against the government. [radical: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Extreme is more commonly used than radical in everyday language. Extreme is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while radical is less common and more specific to ideas or actions that challenge established norms or traditions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between extreme and radical?
Both extreme and radical can be used in formal and informal contexts, but radical may be more commonly associated with political or social movements and therefore may be more commonly used in formal settings.
