maxim

noun

max·​im ˈmak-səm 

1

: a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct

Mother's favorite maxim was "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."

2

: a proverbial saying

advised her daughter with the maxim "marry in haste, repent at leisure"

Synonyms

• adage
• aphorism
• apothegm
• byword
• epigram
• proverb
• saw
• saying
• sententia
• word

Examples of maxim in a Sentence

it's a common maxim that “a watched pot never boils,” but that's not literally true

Recent Examples on the Web

Here, 18 members of Forbes Coaches Council share powerful maxims, sayings, phrases and adages founders can turn to when challenges arise. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

But Sue’s maxim was that ballet was for everybody — and every body — and her classroom was proof. —Elyse Durham, People.com, 18 Feb. 2025

These days, observers may question the accuracy of that maxim — preservationists have made great strides in recent decades — but a devastating new truth has emerged amid the ashes this week. —Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025

As the footballing maxim goes, Diego Carlos often played to the level of the opponent. —Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English maxime, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin maxima, from Latin, feminine of maximus, superlative of magnus large — more at much

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for maxim

• cefotaxime

Kids Definition

maxim

noun

max·​im ˌmak-səm 

1

: a general truth or rule of conduct

2

: a proverbial saying

Biographical Definition

Maxim 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

Max·​im ˈmak-səm 

Sir Hiram Stevens 1840–1916 British (American-born) inventor

Maxim

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Hudson 1853–1927 brother of Hiram Maxim American inventor