maxim
C1Formal, literary, academic
Definition
Meaning
A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.
A concise formulation of a fundamental principle, rule of behavior, or guiding precept, often handed down through tradition or attributed to a notable figure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A maxim is typically more formal and authoritative than a 'saying' or 'proverb'. It often carries a prescriptive or moralistic tone, offering advice or a rule to live by.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The spelling is identical.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British formal and legal contexts (e.g., 'legal maxims'), but the difference is marginal.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both varieties, reserved for formal writing and discussion.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The maxim that...According to the old maxim, ...It is a maxim of [field] that...He lived by the maxim '...'.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As the old maxim goes, ...”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to cite established business principles, e.g., 'The maxim "the customer is always right" guides our policy.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, law, and literature to refer to foundational principles or ethical rules.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; used when quoting well-known sayings for emphasis.
Technical
In law, refers to established principles of jurisprudence, e.g., 'the maxim of equity'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- "Early to bed, early to rise" is an old maxim.
- My grandmother often repeated the maxim, "A stitch in time saves nine."
- The report opened with the business maxim that you must spend money to make money.
- The legal maxim 'ignorantia juris non excusat' (ignorance of the law is no excuse) is a cornerstone of many judicial systems.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MAXIM as a MAXIMum of wisdom in a MINimum of words.
Conceptual Metaphor
WISDOM IS A COMPACT OBJECT (a nugget of wisdom, a condensed truth).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the brand name 'Maxim' (magazine, taxi app).
- The Russian word 'максима' is a direct cognate but is less common and more formal than the English 'maxim'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'maxium' or 'maxam'.
- Using it to mean 'maximum' (the greatest amount).
- Overusing in informal contexts where 'saying' or 'rule' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the best definition of a 'maxim'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A maxim is a rule for good conduct. A proverb is a traditional saying offering advice. An aphorism is a concise, clever observation. Maxims are often more prescriptive, proverbs more cultural, and aphorisms more observational.
No, 'maxim' is exclusively a noun. The related verb is 'maximise' (UK)/'maximize' (US), which means to make as large as possible.
It is not common in everyday spoken English. It belongs to a more formal or literary register and is most frequently encountered in writing about philosophy, law, or ethics.
It comes from the Latin 'maxima', short for 'propositio maxima' meaning 'greatest premise'. It entered English via Middle French in the 15th century.