Search Dictionary
Definition of maxim
maxim
/ˈmæk.sɪm/
max · im
Plural:maxims
maxim Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
Syllables
2
maxim Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A short, pithy statement expressing a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct.
Example
"The company operates on the simple maxim that the customer is always right."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for maxim Antonyms
View all antonyms for maxim• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle French maxime, derived from Late Latin maxima, used in the logical phrase 'maxima propositio' meaning 'greatest premise' or absolute axiom.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Maxim. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/maxim