Maxim

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈmæk.sɪm/
• US IPA: /ˈmæk.sɪm/, /ˈmæk.sÉ™m/

Origin

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 propositio maxima "greatest premise").

Full definition of maxim

Noun

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.

Synonyms

• (precept, succint statement) aphorism, cliche enthymeme, proverb, saying