ungemein
Translation
extremely, immensely, tremendously
Examples
Das Buch ist ungemein spannend.
The book is extremely exciting.
Er hat sich ungemein gefreut.
He was immensely pleased.
Grammar Patterns
((+adjective)) extremely ... The book is ungemein exciting.
((+verb)) immensely ... He was ungemein pleased.
Similar Words
Synonyms: extraordinarily, extremely, very; Antonyms: ordinarily, normally
Etymology
From 'un-' (not) + 'gemein' (common, ordinary). Literally 'not common', which developed into the meaning 'extraordinarily' or 'extremely'.
Memory Tips
Think of its literal meaning: 'un-common'. Something that is not common is special or extreme.