Extremely vs. Rude — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 4, 2024
"Extremely" is an adverb enhancing the degree of an adjective or another adverb, while "rude" is an adjective describing disrespectful or impolite behavior.
Difference Between Extremely and Rude
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Extremely" functions primarily as an intensifier in sentences, used to amplify the degree of adjectives or other adverbs, e.g., extremely fast, extremely well. Whereas "rude" directly describes a person's behavior or attitude that is unpleasantly blunt or offensively impolite.
"Extremely" cannot stand alone as it does not describe an attribute or action; it must be used with another descriptive word. On the other hand, "rude" can be used as a standalone descriptor of someone's mannerisms, such as in the sentence, "His remarks were rude."
The usage of "extremely" is versatile, applying to various contexts beyond behavior, including conditions, emotions, and processes, for example, extremely cold or extremely excited. Rude, however, is specifically tied to describing interactions and behaviors that show a lack of respect or courtesy.
"Extremely" is often used in hyperbolic expressions to create a strong emotional response or emphasize a point, like "extremely important." Conversely, "rude" typically appears in contexts requiring a judgment of social norms and behaviors, emphasizing the negativity of the action or trait.
In linguistic terms, "extremely" can modify both positive and negative qualities (extremely good, extremely bad), showing its neutral stance. Whereas "rude" always carries a negative connotation, pointing out undesirable traits or actions.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective
Usage
Modifies adjectives/adverbs
Describes behavior or attitude
Connotation
Neutral, enhances other words
Negative, denotes disrespect
Standalone Usage
Cannot stand alone
Can stand alone
Contextual Application
Emotional, physical, other qualities
Primarily social interactions
Compare with Definitions
Extremely
Often precedes superlatives.
It was an extremely hot day.
Rude
Crude or undeveloped in terms of skill or planning.
It was just a rude structure made of wood.
Extremely
To a very great degree; used to give emphasis.
She was extremely pleased with the gift.
Rude
Coarse or rough in texture or appearance.
The sculpture had a rude, unfinished look.
Extremely
Used in comparisons.
He was extremely better at chess than his opponent.
Rude
Abrupt or offhand in manner.
She gave a rude answer to a simple question.
Extremely
Used as an intensifier for adjectives and other adverbs.
The car was moving extremely fast.
Rude
Relating to basic or initial instruction.
He had only a rude knowledge of the subject.
Extremely
Can emphasize the unusual nature of something.
The decision was extremely difficult to make.
Rude
Showing a lack of respect or courtesy; impolite.
The guest's rude comments upset everyone.
Extremely
To a very great degree; very
This is an extremely difficult thing to do
Rude
Offensively impolite or bad-mannered
She had been rude to her boss
He is a rude and arrogant bully
It's rude to talk about people right in front of them
Extremely
Most remote in any direction; outermost or farthest
The extreme edge of the field.
Rude
Having a startling abruptness
The war came as a very rude awakening
Extremely
Being in or attaining the greatest or highest degree; very intense
Extreme pleasure.
Extreme pain.
Rude
Vigorous or hearty
Isabel had always been in rude health
Extremely
Being far beyond the norm
An extreme conservative.
Rude
Roughly made or done; lacking sophistication
A rude coffin
Extremely
Of the greatest severity; drastic
Took extreme measures to conserve fuel.
Rude
Ill-mannered, discourteous, or insulting
Was offended by his rude behavior.
Extremely
Characterized by severe, usually oxygen-poor environmental conditions.
Rude
Undeveloped or uncivilized; primitive
A rude and savage land.
Extremely
Having an affinity for such conditions
An extreme microorganism.
Rude
Crude, unfinished, or made with limited skill
A rude thatched hut.
Extremely
Very dangerous or difficult
Extreme rafting.
Rude
In a natural, raw state
Bales of rude cotton.
Extremely
Participating or tending to participate in a very dangerous or difficult sport
An extreme skier.
Rude
Unpleasantly forceful or harsh
Faced rude winds.
Received a rude shock.
Extremely
(Archaic) Final; last.
Rude
Chiefly British Vigorous or robust
In rude health.
Extremely
The greatest or utmost degree or point.
Rude
(Archaic) Lacking education or refinement
“They were so rude and ignorant ... that very little could be learned from them” (Samuel Johnson).
Extremely
Either of the two things situated at opposite ends of a range
The extremes of boiling and freezing.
Rude
Lacking in refinement or civility; bad-mannered; discourteous.
This girl was so rude towards the cashier by screaming at him for no apparent reason.
Karen broke up with Fred because he was often rude to her.
Extremely
An extreme condition.
Rude
Lacking refinement or skill; untaught; ignorant; raw.
Extremely
An immoderate, drastic expedient
Resorted to extremes in the emergency.
Rude
Violent; abrupt; turbulent.
A rude awakening
Extremely
The first or last term of a ratio or a series.
Rude
Somewhat obscene, pornographic, offensive.
A rude film
Rude language
Extremely
A maximum or minimum value of a function.
Rude
Undeveloped, unskilled, inelegant.
Extremely
(Logic) The major or minor term of a syllogism.
Rude
Hearty, vigorous; found particularly in the phrase rude health.
Extremely
(degree) To an extreme degree.
Rude
Crudely made; primitive.
Extremely
In an extreme manner or state; in the utmost degree; to the utmost point; exceedingly; as, extremely hot or cold.
Rude
Characterized by roughness; umpolished; raw; lacking delicacy or refinement; coarse.
Such gardening tools as art, yet rude, . . . had formed.
Extremely
To a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect;
Highly successful
He spoke highly of her
Does not think highly of his writing
Extremely interesting
Rude
Unformed by taste or skill; not nicely finished; not smoothed or polished; - said especially of material things; as, rude workmanship.
Rude and unpolished stones.
The heaven-born childAll meanly wrapt in the rude manger lies.
Extremely
To an extreme degree;
Extremely cold
Extremely unpleasant
Rude
Of untaught manners; unpolished; of low rank; uncivil; clownish; ignorant; raw; unskillful; - said of persons, or of conduct, skill, and the like.
He was but rude in the profession of arms.
The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep.
Extremely
To an extreme degree;
The house was super clean for Mother's visit
Rude
Violent; tumultuous; boisterous; inclement; harsh; severe; - said of the weather, of storms, and the like; as, the rude winter.
[Clouds] pushed with winds, rude in their shock.
The rude agitation [of water] breaks it into foam.
Extremely
To an extreme degree or extent;
His eyesight was exceedingly defective
Rude
Barbarous; fierce; bloody; impetuous; - said of war, conflict, and the like; as, the rude shock of armies.
Rude am I in my speech.
Unblemished by my rude translation.
Rude
Socially incorrect in behavior;
Resentment flared at such an unmannered intrusion
Rude
(of persons) lacking in refinement or grace
Rude
Lacking civility or good manners;
Want nothing from you but to get away from your uncivil tongue
Rude
(used especially of commodities) in the natural unprocessed condition;
Natural yogurt
Natural produce
Raw wool
Raw sugar
Bales of rude cotton
Rude
Belonging to an early stage of technical development; characterized by simplicity and (often) crudeness;
The crude weapons and rude agricultural implements of early man
Primitive movies of the 1890s
Primitive living conditions in the Appalachian mountains
Common Curiosities
Can "rude" be used in a positive context?
No, "rude" generally has negative connotations and describes unfavorable behaviors.
Can "extremely" change the meaning of an adjective?
It doesn't change the inherent meaning but significantly enhances the intensity of the adjective.
What does "extremely" imply in a sentence?
It implies a high degree of the quality being described.
What are examples of rude behavior?
Interrupting others, using offensive language, and ignoring social norms.
How does "rude" differ from "crudely"?
"Rude" often refers to behavior, whereas "crudely" might refer to something made or done in an unsophisticated way.
Is it grammatically correct to use "extremely" with verbs?
No, "extremely" modifies only adjectives and adverbs, not verbs.
Can "extremely" be replaced with "very"?
Yes, though "extremely" often implies a higher degree of intensity than "very".
How can "rude" be used in professional feedback?
It should be used cautiously and typically in more specific contexts to describe behavior, not people.
Is "rude" subjective or objective?
Rude is somewhat subjective as it depends on cultural and social norms.
Is "extremely" only used with negative adjectives?
No, "extremely" can modify both positive and negative adjectives and adverbs.
What is an antonym for "rude"?
Polite or courteous.
What is the origin of "rude"?
It comes from the Latin word "rudis," meaning rough or crude.
Can "extremely" be used in scientific writing?
Yes, it's used to emphasize findings or degrees of comparison.
How can one avoid using "rude" in a derogatory way?
Focus on describing specific actions or words rather than labeling a person as rude.
Does the use of "extremely" affect the formality of a sentence?
It can, depending on the context; it's often more emphatic and can be seen as informal.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
