extremely

the word 'extremely' is formed from the adjective 'extreme' and the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Extreme' originates from latin extremus, the superlative form of exter meaning 'outer'. this literal sense of 'outermost' evolved to signify the utmost degree or farthest limit of a quality. the suffix '-ly', of germanic origin, was attached to adjectives to create adverbs indicating manner or degree. thus, 'extremely' literally means 'in an outermost manner', logically evolving to its modern abstract meaning of 'to the utmost degree' or 'very'.

Structure: extreme + ly - extreme: from latin extremus (outermost, utmost, superlative of exterus 'outer'), functioning as the adjective root. - ly: from old english -līc (having the form or character of), a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives.