maxim

maxim — noun

1. A short, well-known phrase that states a general truth or gives a practical rule

1.nounB2
Definition

A short, well-known phrase that states a general truth or gives a practical rule for how to live or behave.

Example

My grandmother often repeated the old maxim that honesty is the best policy.

collocation: old maxim / maxim + that-clause

A well-known maxim advises people to treat others as they wish to be treated.

Common collocations
  • old maxim
  • well-known maxim
  • familiar maxim
  • live by a maxim
  • quote a maxim
  • follow a maxim
  • repeat a maxim
  • maxim that + clause
Synonyms
  • proverb

    Older and from folk tradition; a proverb is usually anonymous, while a maxim may come from a known thinker or writer.

  • saying

    A broader term for any common phrase; less formal and less tied to a behavioural rule than maxim.

  • aphorism

    More clever or literary in tone, often attributed to a specific philosopher or writer; a maxim is more practical and action-oriented.

  • motto

    Adopted by a specific group, family, or institution as its guiding principle; a maxim is general wisdom anyone can use.

Grammar Patterns

maxim + that-clause

the maxim that + clause

Usage Note

Often introduced by the verbs quote, repeat, or follow. Frequently appears in the pattern 'the maxim that + clause' to state the principle itself.

Common Mistakes

My grandfather lived by the proverb that hard work never hurt anyone.
My grandfather lived by the maxim that hard work never hurt anyone.
A maxim states a practical life principle, whereas a proverb is a traditional folk saying that is usually older and anonymous.

maxim — idiom

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Proverb, saying, aphorism, motto, and maxim all describe short, well-known phrases, but each has a distinct flavour. A proverb is a traditional folk saying passed down orally, usually anonymous and containing practical wisdom (e.g., 'A stitch in time saves nine'). A saying is the most general term — any common phrase people repeat regardless of origin or style. An aphorism is a witty, often philosophical statement attributed to a particular thinker, prized for its cleverness ('The only way to have a friend is to be one' — Emerson). A motto is a short statement adopted by a specific group, family, or institution to express its core values ('Semper Fidelis' for the US Marines). A maxim sits between proverb and aphorism: it states a practical rule for behaviour and may come from folk tradition or a known source. In everyday use, if the phrase tells you how to act and feels like good advice, call it a maxim.

proverb ↗saying ↗aphorismmotto ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • old maxim
  • well-known maxim
  • live by a maxim
  • quote a maxim
  • follow a maxim
  • repeat a maxim

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word maxim comes from the Latin phrase maxima propositio, meaning 'greatest premise' — the chief or most important statement in a logical argument. In medieval philosophy, a maxima propositio was a self-evident principle accepted as true without proof. The shortened form maxim entered English through French in the 1400s and gradually shifted from formal logic to everyday language, where it came to mean any short statement of practical wisdom.