maxim

[ˈmæksɪm]

maxim Definition

• 1. a short statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct
• 2. a saying that is widely accepted on its own merits

Using maxim: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "maxim" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  One of the most famous maxims in philosophy is 'Cogito, ergo sum' (I think, therefore I am).

• Example

  The maxim 'Honesty is the best policy' is widely accepted.

• Example

  His life was guided by the maxim 'Carpe diem' (Seize the day).

maxim Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for maxim

• aphorism
• proverb
• adage
• saying
• motto

Phrases with maxim

• legal maxim

  a principle of law universally admitted as being just and consonant with reason

  Example

  The legal maxim 'Ignorance of the law is no excuse' is well-known.

• maxim gun

  a type of machine gun invented in the late 19th century

  Example

  The British army used the Maxim gun during the Boer War.

• maxim of quantity

  a principle of conversation in linguistics that speakers should provide as much information as necessary, but not more

  Example

  The maxim of quantity is often violated in advertising, where companies use vague language to make their products seem better than they are.

Origins of maxim

from Latin 'maxima', meaning 'greatest'

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Summary: maxim in Brief

A 'maxim' [ˈmæksɪm] is a concise statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct. It can be a widely accepted saying, such as 'Honesty is the best policy,' or a philosophical principle like 'Cogito, ergo sum.' 'Maxim' also extends to phrases like 'legal maxim' and 'maxim of quantity,' which refer to principles of law and linguistics, respectively.