Words / B2

ik-STREEM-ist/ɪkˈstriːmɪst/

An extremist is a person whose political or religious views are far from what most people accept: an extremist group; extremist views. Radical can mean far-reaching reform and is not always an insult; fanatic is a close twin; moderate is the contrast. Name the group only as the source names it; do not write extremist as a loose insult. Mix-up: extremist vs extreme as a weather word; extremist vs extrovert; do not write extremist for a protester with no far-from-centre doctrine in the extract.

Meaning

A person whose political or religious views are far from what most people accept.

Examples

• “Name the group only as the source names it; do not write extremist as a loose insult.”
• “Extremist material featured in the case, which is still a named offence — quote the Act if given.”

Good to know

an extremist; extremist views / group / material. Close: fanatic / hardliner. Contrast: moderate. Trap: extreme weather / extrovert / any protester. Citizenship and RS. Far-from-centre doctrine — quote the source label and the Act, do not invent the insult.

Near in meaning

hardliner, fanatic, radical

New