maxim

From Anglo-Norman maxime and Middle French maxime, from Late Latin maxima (“axiom”), noun use of the feminine singular form of Latin maximus (apparently as used in the phrase prōpositiō maxima (“greatest premise”)).

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈmæk.sɪm/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈmæk.sɪm/, /ˈmæk.səm/

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maxim (plural maxims)

1. (now rare) A self-evident axiom or premise; a pithy expression of a general principle or rule.
2. A precept; a succinct statement or observation of a rule of conduct or moral teaching.
   • 1776, Adam Smith, Wealth of Nations, page 768:

     In every age and country of the world men must have attended to the characters, designs, and actions of one another, and many reputable rules and maxims for the conduct of human life, must have been laid down and approved of by common consent.

• (precept, succinct statement): Synonym: aphorism, cliche, enthymeme, proverb, saying
• See also Thesaurus:saying

• maxim worker

• adage
• aphorism
• apophthegm

Borrowed from English maximum, French maximum, German Maximum, Italian massimo, Russian ма́ксимум (máksimum), Spanish máximo. Regarded as a shortened form of maxime.

• IPA^(key): /makˈsim/, /maɡˈzim/

maxim

1. most

   Antonym: minim

• plu
• min

maxim

1. most

   Lo es li maxim brav ek li fratros.

   He is the bravest of the brothers.

• minim