Meaning
极少数 means 'an extremely small number' or 'a tiny minority' of something. It combines 极 (extremely), 少 (few), and 数 (number) to emphasize that only a minuscule portion of a group possesses a certain quality or falls into a category. It's often used in formal or academic contexts to highlight rarity or exceptionality.
Usage
This term is frequently used in formal writing, news reports, and academic contexts. It often appears with 的 to modify a noun (极少数的人) and is commonly contrasted with 大多数 (vast majority) or 绝大多数 (overwhelming majority). Native speakers use it to emphasize statistical rarity or to describe exceptional cases.
Examples
- 01只有极少数学生通过了这次考试。.Only a very small number of students passed this exam.
- 02这种疾病只影响极少数人。.This disease only affects an extremely small number of people.
Characters
Common collocations
- 极少数人a very small number of people
- 极少数情况extremely rare cases
- 只有极少数only a tiny minority
Antonyms
Origin
The word builds from classical roots: 极 historically meant 'ridgepole' or 'highest point' and came to mean 'extreme'; 少数 (minority/small number) combines with 极 for intensification, creating a modern compound emphasizing minimal quantity.