Extreme Adjectives
When "Very Good" Just Isn't Bloody Good Enough
Extreme adjectives are adjectives that already mean "very + adjective". They're for when you want to sound dramatic without saying "very" every five seconds like a broken record.
What Are Extreme Adjectives?
They're adjectives that are already at maximum intensity. You can't make them "more" because they're already at the top.
Wrong: "very enormous" (it's already massive, you muppet)
Right: "absolutely enormous" (now you're talking)
Common Extreme Adjectives (The Drama Queens)
| Normal Adjective |
Extreme Version |
Meaning |
| big |
enormous/huge/massive |
very big |
| small |
tiny/minuscule |
very small |
| hot |
boiling/scorching |
very hot |
| cold |
freezing/arctic |
very cold |
| tired |
exhausted/knackered |
very tired |
| angry |
furious/livid |
very angry |
| funny |
hilarious |
very funny |
| good |
excellent/brilliant/fantastic |
very good |
How to Use Them (The Right Way)
With "Absolutely" (Not "Very"):
- ✅ "It's absolutely freezing!" (Proper dramatic)
- ❌ "It's very freezing!" (Sounds daft)
- ✅ "The film was absolutely hilarious!" (Loved it)
- ❌ "The film was very hilarious!" (Doesn't work)
Other Intensifiers That Work:
- Completely: "I'm completely exhausted."
- Totally: "That's totally ridiculous."
- Utterly: "It was utterly brilliant." (Posh version)
- Really: "It's really enormous." (Safe option)
More Extreme Adjectives (The Full Collection)
Size and Appearance:
- Enormous, huge, massive, gigantic (very big)
- Tiny, minuscule, microscopic (very small)
- Gorgeous, stunning, beautiful (very attractive)
- Hideous, revolting, disgusting (very ugly)
Temperature and Weather:
- Boiling, scorching, sweltering (very hot)
- Freezing, arctic, bitter (very cold)
- Soaking, drenched (very wet)
- Parched (very dry/thirsty)
Emotions and Feelings:
- Furious, livid, enraged (very angry)
- Terrified, petrified (very scared)
- Delighted, thrilled, ecstatic (very happy)
- Devastated, heartbroken (very sad)
Practice Exercises (Get Dramatic)
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Brilliant! Now you can be absolutely dramatic without sounding completely ridiculous!