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Extreme vs Extremal - What's the difference?

extreme | extremal |

In mathematics terms the difference between extreme and extremal

is that extreme is either of the two numbers at the ends of a proportion, as 1 and 6 in 1:2=3:6 while extremal is any solution to a variety of equations in the calculus of variations.

As adjectives the difference between extreme and extremal

is that extreme is of a place, the most remote, farthest or outermost while extremal is having to do with extrema.

As nouns the difference between extreme and extremal

is that extreme is the greatest or utmost point, degree or condition while extremal is any solution to a variety of equations in the calculus of variations.

As an adverb extreme

is extremely.

extreme

English

Adjective

(en-adj)
  • Of a place, the most remote, farthest or outermost.
  • In the greatest or highest degree; intense.
  • * , chapter=13
    • , title= The Mirror and the Lamp , passage=And Vickers launched forth into a tirade very different from his platform utterances. He spoke with extreme contempt of the dense stupidity exhibited on all occasions by the working classes. He said that if you wanted to do anything for them, you must rule them, not pamper them.}}
  • Excessive, or far beyond the norm.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-03
    • , author=Frank Fish, George Lauder, volume=101, issue=2, page=114, magazine=(American Scientist) , title= Not Just Going with the Flow , passage=An extreme version of vorticity is a vortex . The vortex is a spinning, cyclonic mass of fluid, which can be observed in the rotation of water going down a drain, as well as in smoke rings, tornados and hurricanes.}}
  • Drastic, or of great severity.
  • Of sports, difficult or dangerous; performed in a hazardous environment.
  • (archaic) Ultimate, final or last.
    • the extreme hour of life

    Synonyms

    * (place) farthest, furthest, most distant, outermost, remotest * (in greatest or highest degree) greatest, highest * (excessive) excessive, too much * (drastic) drastic, severe * (sports) dangerous * (ultimate) final, last, ultimate

    Antonyms

    * (place) closest, nearest * (in greatest or highest degree) least * (excessive) moderate, reasonable * (drastic) moderate, reasonable

    Derived terms

    * extremeness

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The greatest or utmost point, degree or condition.
  • *
    • , title=(The Celebrity), chapter=2 , passage=Sunning himself on the board steps, I saw for the first time Mr. Farquhar Fenelon Cooke.
  • Each of the things at opposite ends of a range or scale.
  • A drastic expedient.
  • (mathematics) Either of the two numbers at the ends of a proportion, as 1'' and ''6'' in ''1:2=3:6 .

    • Adverb

    (en adverb)
  • (archaic) Extremely.
  • * 1796 Charles Burney, Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Metastasio 2.5:
    • In the empty and extreme cold theatre.

    Usage notes

    * Formerly used to modify adjectives and sometimes adverbs, but rarely verbs.

    Derived terms

    * extremism * extremist * extremity * extremely * extreme ironing * extreme unction

    Related terms

    * extremum

    See also

    * mean

    References

    * ----

    extremal

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • (mathematics) Having to do with extrema.
  • * '>citation

    • Derived terms

    * (l) in a * subextremal

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (mathematics) Any solution to a variety of equations in the calculus of variations