Etymology and origin of the French word extrémisme
- Confidence
- Established
- Formation
- Derivation
- First attested
- 1911 Larousse More words from the 20th century
- Ultimate origin
- Latin extrēmus
Etymology tree
From the same root
Forms
extrémisme m (uncountable)[1]
Etymology
It is formed from French extrême + -isme.[2][1][3][4] The DHLF thinks that it rather proceeds from extrémiste, an adjective recorded from 1915 and used as a noun by 1917.[5]
Earliest recorded meaning
The TLFi and the DHLF date it from 1918, in the Larousse mensuel, for the tendency to hold extreme opinions, especially in politics;[2][5] the Grand Robert, the Petit Robert and the GLLF give 1911, in a Larousse.[3][6][7]
Semantic evolution
The word has kept its sense of a tendency to adopt extreme or revolutionary views and conduct, mainly in politics.[2][7][5] Ruyer used it in philosophy in 1930, and Valéry wrote of the automatism of extremism.[2][7] Its opposite is modération.[6]
Timeline
- 1911 – A Larousse records the word, according to the Robert and the GLLF.[3][7]
- 1915 – The adjective extrémiste is recorded.[5]
- 1918 – The Larousse mensuel uses it.[2][5]
- 1930 – Ruyer uses it in a philosophical essay.[2]
Meanings
Noun
- The tendency to adopt extreme opinions or conduct, especially in politics.[2][6][7]
- The attitude or doctrine of an extrémiste.[6][4]
Related words
- extrême
- extrémiste
- extrémité
References
- ^ a b c d Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
- ^ a b c d e f g Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
- ^ a b c Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert
- ^ a b Académie française (1992–2024), Dictionnaire de l'Académie française, 9th ed., Paris: Académie française / Fayard / Imprimerie nationale
- ^ a b c d e Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
- ^ a b c d Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
- ^ a b c d e Guilbert, Louis; Lagane, René; Niobey, Georges, eds. (1971–1978; 1989), Grand Larousse de la langue française, Paris: Larousse
Cite this entry
“Extrémisme.” Etymologically, 15 Nov. 2026, etymologically.com/fr/extr%C3%A9misme. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.
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