Maxim

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈmæk.sɪm/

Definitions

1. A concise statement of a general principle or rule for conduct that is widely accepted as true or wise
2. A brief saying that articulates a fundamental truth or ethical guideline, often serving as a principle for behavior in diverse circumstances
3. A succinct expression that conveys a widely recognized truth or guiding principle in various situations

Etymology: The word "maxim" has nothing to do with the inventor Hiram Maxim, whose surname is a coincidence. It descends from Latin "maxima," the feminine form of "maximus" ("greatest"), used in logic as a shorthand for "prōpositiō maxima," the "greatest premise," a self-evident principle from which other truths could be drawn. Medieval writers borrowed the idea, and the term passed into Late Latin as a name for a general axiom. From there it reached English through Anglo-Norman "maxime" and Middle French "maxime," so the English form descends from French rather than directly from Latin. Its sense shifted from a logical first principle to any brief, pithy statement of practical wisdom, which is how it is used today. "Maxima" is its doublet, a second form from the same Latin source that stayed closer to the original Latin spelling and meaning.

Synonyms: principle, axiom, rule, saying, proverb

Antonyms: absurdity, nonsense, foolishness, contradiction, fallacy