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Extreme vs Maximum - What's the difference?

extreme | maximum |

In mathematics terms the difference between extreme and maximum

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 maximum is the greatest value of a set or other mathematical structure, especially the global maximum or a local maximum of a function.

As adjectives the difference between extreme and maximum

is that extreme is of a place, the most remote, farthest or outermost while maximum is to the highest degree.

As nouns the difference between extreme and maximum

is that extreme is the greatest or utmost point, degree or condition while maximum is the highest limit.

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

    See also

    * mean

    References

    * ----

    maximum

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • The highest limit.
  • * P. Colquhoun
  • Good legislation is the art of conducting a nation to the maximum of happiness, and the minimum of misery.
  • (mathematics) The greatest value of a set or other mathematical structure, especially the global maximum or a local maximum of a function.
  • (analysis) An upper bound of a set which is also an element of that set.
  • (statistics) The largest value of a batch or sample or the upper bound of a probability distribution.
  • (colloquial, snooker) A 147 break; the highest possible break.
  • (colloquial, darts) A score of with three darts.
  • (colloquial, cricket) A scoring shot for 6 runs.
  • Usage notes

    * (term) is the more common plural, especially for the technical senses.

    Hypernyms

    * (statistics) measure of location

    Synonyms

    * max

    Antonyms

    * minimum

    Adjective

    (-)
  • To the highest degree.
  • Use the proper dose for the maximum effect.

    Derived terms

    * antimaximum * global maximum * local maximum * maximal * maximize * maximum break * maximum limit * submaximum