What does maxim mean?
A maxim is a brief, memorable statement that expresses a general truth, practical principle, or rule of conduct. The word is often associated with wisdom and authority, as in references to a famous, old, or guiding maxim, but maxims can also represent an individual's preferred way of thinking. Unlike a detailed proverb, a maxim is usually concise and may focus on one central idea rather than telling a complete story. Its apparent simplicity can make it memorable and easy to quote, although this does not mean that every maxim is universally accepted or even literally true. In literature and public speech, maxims are frequently used to summarize a theme, express a moral lesson, or establish a character's guiding philosophy. The word is especially common in formal writing and in discussions of ethics, leadership, philosophy, and traditional wisdom.
nounA succinct statement expressing a general truth, principle, or rule of conduct, especially one that is widely quoted or attributed to a particular person. A maxim may also be a memorable personal principle rather than a universally accepted truth.
- A succinct, often proverbial statement expressing a general truth, principle, or rule of conduct.
- A personal or widely repeated saying that reflects someone's guiding philosophy.
"The maxim that actions speak louder than words has been repeated for centuries."
"Her career has been guided by the maxim that preparation is the surest path to opportunity."
"The novel's central maxim is that memory can distort even the events it tries to preserve."
The regular plural is maxims, as in “The book collects maxims from several philosophical traditions.”
"These three maxims capture the central argument of the essay."
A maxim is a sentence designed to be remembered: it compresses a belief into a few memorable words.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does maxim come from?
English maxim comes through French from Latin maxima, meaning a proposition or statement, the feminine form of maximus, “greatest.” Latin maximus is the superlative of magnus, “great,” and belongs to a family that includes maximum, maximal, maximize, and magnify. The word's early English sense developed from the idea of a statement of the greatest importance or truth.
Related word forms
How maxim is actually used
Maxim is formal and literary in tone. It commonly describes a saying with broad authority, but it can also refer to a personal motto or guiding principle; consequently, a maxim may be influential rather than objectively true.
Easily confused with maxim
A maxim is a concise statement or principle, whereas a maximum is the greatest possible value or amount.