PhrasesHub

To the nth degree

    Definitions

      • to the highest or greatest extent
        Emphasize the extreme or maximum level of something

      • to an indefinite or unspecified extent
        Expressing a high level of something without specifying a particular degree

    Examples of To the nth degree

    • John's dedication to his work is to the nth degree. He puts in long hours, works weekends, and never takes vacations.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who is extremely committed to something to an almost excessive extent. Here, John's devotion to his work is so intense that it seems to have no limit or end, represented by the mathematical term 'nth degree'.

    • The smell of burnt toast filled the apartment to the nth degree. The toaster had malfunctioned, and the stench was impossible to ignore.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is intensely present, with no limit or end. Here, the smell of burnt toast permeates the entire apartment, making it hard to ignore or escape.

    • The team's enthusiasm for the project was to the nth degree. They were excited, passionate, and worked tirelessly towards its success.

      This idiom is used to describe something that is highly charged or intense, with no limit or end. Here, the team's positive energy and motivation for the project is almost unbounded, representing an almost limitless level of enthusiasm.

    • The teacher's anger at the student's behavior was to the nth degree. She was furious and refused to accept any excuses.

      This idiom is used to describe something that reaches an extreme or intense level. Here, the teacher's anger towards the student's disruptive behavior is so intense that it seems to have no end or limit, representing an almost unbounded level of anger.

    • Joe's love for photography is to the nth degree.

      Joe is extremely passionate and dedicated to photography. This idiom suggests that Joe's love for photography is intense, going above and beyond what is expected or required.

    • Susan's perfectionism is to the nth degree.

      Susan is incredibly detail-oriented and meticulous about everything she does. This idiom implies that Susan's expectations for herself and others are extremely high, and she demands nothing less than perfection.

    • Tom's fear of heights is to the nth degree.

      Tom is extremely afraid of heights, to the point where it causes him intense anxiety and distress. This idiom conveys that Tom's phobia is severe and overwhelming, going far beyond what would be considered a mild or moderate fear.

    • The snowstorm hit the city to the nth degree.

      The snowstorm was uncommonly severe and intense, with excessive snowfall, strong winds, and dangerous conditions. This idiom suggests that the snowstorm was beyond what is normally expected or encountered, going far beyond what would be classified as typical or average.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "to the nth degree" is used to emphasize the extreme or maximum level of something. It can also be used to express a high level of something without specifying a particular degree. This idiom is often used to emphasize the intensity or extent of a particular situation, feeling, or action.

    Origin of "To the nth degree"

    The phrase "to the nth degree" originated from mathematics, specifically algebra. In algebra, the letter "n" is used to represent an indefinite or unspecified number. When something is raised "to the nth degree," it means that it is being taken to the highest power or level. Over time, the phrase has been adopted into everyday language to convey the idea of reaching the highest or greatest extent. Its mathematical origin has given it a sense of precision and emphasis, making it a powerful and versatile idiom in English. Some examples of its usage can be found in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations.