The word 极端 is formed conceptually by combining two characters that each represent the idea of an absolute limit or terminus. The first character, 极 (jí), conveys the notion of a pole, extremity, or the utmost point, like the roof beam of a house or the North Pole. The second character, 端 (duān), represents an end, tip, or beginning, the very farthest point of something. When paired, they create a powerful, layered concept of absolute ends, where both components mutually reinforce the idea of reaching the farthest, most intense boundary in any spectrum, thereby forming a complete idea of "extreme".