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maxima short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈmæksɪm/

Example Sentences

  • My grandmother's maxim was 'Never go to bed angry,' which saved my marriage countless times.
  • The coach's maxim 'Practice makes perfect' was written on every wall in the gym.
  • His dating maxim was 'Never text back immediately,' but he broke it when he met Sarah.

maxim

NOUN

[/ˈmæksɪm/]

a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct

Grandfather shares his favorite maxim: 'Slow and steady wins the race.'
💡 Concept

Grandfather shares his favorite maxim: 'Slow and steady wins the race.'

Carving maxims while the moon is waxing, then finally relaxing
🎵 Rhyme

Carving maxims while the moon is waxing, then finally relaxing

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈmæksɪm/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈmæksɪm/

🌳Etymology

Rootmaxim

Origin

From Latin 'maxima' (feminine form of 'maximus' meaning 'greatest'), originally used in the phrase 'maxima propositio' (greatest proposition) in medieval logic and philosophy to denote the most fundamental principles or axioms.

Breakdown

Latin 'maximus' (greatest) + feminine singular nominative ending '-a' = maxima (the greatest thing/principle)

🎵Rhyme

waxingtaxingrelaxing
waxing
taxing
relaxing

🔗Collocations

famous maxim
follow a maxim
business maxim
ancient maxim
live by a maxim

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My grandmother's maxim was 'Never go to bed angry,' which saved my marriage countless times.

The coach's maxim 'Practice makes perfect' was written on every wall in the gym.

😄 Fun example

His dating maxim was 'Never text back immediately,' but he broke it when he met Sarah.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

proverbadageaxiomsayingprinciple

Antonyms

questiondoubtuncertainty

Related

mottoslogancreedphilosophywisdom

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