maximum
MAK-sih-muhm
Maximum (noun) means the greatest amount, level, or degree that is possible or allowed. Example: “The lift has a maximum capacity of ten people.”
noun
1
The greatest amount, level, or degree that is possible or allowed.
"The lift has a maximum capacity of ten people."
"Speeding tickets carry a maximum fine of $500 in this state."
"Parking here is free for a maximum of two hours."
adj
1
As great as possible; the highest that can be reached.
"The engine can reach a maximum speed of 200 miles per hour."
"Please keep the volume at maximum level during the concert."
"Drivers must not exceed the maximum weight shown on the bridge sign."
How to use maximum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe top limit — the most that something can be.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
maximum speed
maximum effort
a maximum of
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like maximum.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- maxima, maximums
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The lift has a _____ capacity of ten people.
Etymology
Borrowed via French from Latin maximum, the neuter form of maximus ("greatest").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for maximum
See all rhymes for maximum →Frequently asked questions
What does “maximum” mean?
The word “maximum” means the greatest amount, level, or degree that is possible or allowed. In plain terms, the top limit — the most that something can be.
How do you pronounce “maximum”?
“Maximum” is pronounced MAK-sih-muhm (/ˈmæksɪməm/ in IPA).
How do you use “maximum” in a sentence?
Here is “maximum” used in a sentence: “The lift has a maximum capacity of ten people.”
What is another word for “maximum”?
Words with a similar meaning to “maximum” include max.
What is the opposite of “maximum”?
The opposite of “maximum” — its antonyms — is minimum.
What part of speech is “maximum”?
Depending on how it is used, “maximum” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “maximum” come from?
The word “maximum” comes from Latin. Borrowed via French from Latin maximum, the neuter form of maximus ("greatest").
Is “maximum” a common word?
“Maximum” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between maximum and minimum?
They are opposites. The maximum is the greatest amount, level, or degree possible or allowed, while the minimum is the smallest. A maximum speed is the fastest you may go; a minimum age is the youngest you may be. If you reach the maximum you can go no higher; the minimum, no lower.
What is the plural of maximum?
There are two accepted plurals: 'maxima' and 'maximums.' 'Maxima,' following the original Latin, is common in science, mathematics, and technical writing. 'Maximums' is the regular English form and is perfectly correct in everyday use. Both are understood, so the choice usually depends on how formal or technical the context is.
What is an example of maximum?
A road with a maximum speed of seventy miles per hour sets the highest legal limit. A lift with a maximum load, a bank card with a maximum daily withdrawal, or the maximum temperature recorded in a heatwave all show the same idea: the greatest amount possible or permitted.
What is the opposite of maximum?
The direct opposite is 'minimum,' the smallest amount, level, or degree possible or allowed. Depending on the sentence, related opposites include 'least,' 'lowest,' or 'floor,' since a minimum acts as a lower boundary just as a maximum acts as an upper one.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include maximum:
