maxim
Origin of maxim
synonym study for maxim
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Other definitions for maxim (2 of 2)
MORE ABOUT MAXIM
What is a maxim?
A maxim is a principle or guiding rule.
A maxim is a rule, principle, or helpful guide that leads to a general truth, such as “Actions speak louder than words” and “Strive for greatness.”
Different fields of philosophy develop many rules or guiding principles based on the founder of that philosophy’s studies. These will often be called maxims and will be attributed to that founder, such as Confucious’s maxims, Marx’s maxims, and Voltaire’s maxims.
Maxim also describes a written or understood rule of conduct, as discussed within an organization. For example, a science lab may discuss a maxim of always keeping goggles on in certain areas of the lab.
Example: My aunt, who was a short woman, often quoted the maxim “good things come in small packages.”
Where does maxim come from?
The first records of the term maxim come from the 1400s. It ultimately comes from the Latin maximus, meaning “great.” The phrase maxima prōpositiō in Medieval Latin means “axiom” or “greatest proposition,” or in other words, “an overall guiding suggestion or rule.”
Maxim is also a given name used in some European nations. One of the most famous Maxims is Henry Stevens Maxim, an inventor who created the first automatic firearm, called the Maxim gun. Maxim can also be used as a nickname or alternate name for the first name Maximillian.
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How is maxim used in real life?
Many people are willing to freely share their maxims for living life, even if they don’t actually follow them.
General maxim: if you’re attacking young people, you’re losing.
— Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) December 9, 2018
The proper maxim for living in society is not 'love your neighbor'. It's 'respect your neighbor'. 😈
— Mark Pellegrino (@MarkRPellegrino) March 27, 2017
Increase the amount of useful information in the world. That's the maxim I learned while working for @maddow. That's what she did tonight.
— Jamil Smith جميل كريم (@JamilSmith) March 15, 2017
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Is maxim used correctly in the following sentence?
My maxim for living life is not to blindly follow other peoples’ maxims.