Maximum: The Most There Can Be
A maximum is the greatest amount allowed or possible. Its Latin plural is maxima, and mathematics keeps it.
A maximum is the greatest value something reaches or is permitted to reach: a maximum speed, a maximum dose, a maximum temperature. It is a Latin superlative meaning greatest, and the technical plural is *maxima*, still standard in mathematics and science where a curve may have several.
- The greatest possible amount. *A maximum of ten people.*
- The greatest value reached. *Today's maximum was 24 degrees.*
- As a modifier. *Maximum effort.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | maximum | The legal maximum. |
| Plural | maximums | Two maximums. |
| Plural (Latin) | maxima | Local maxima. |
| Adjective | maximal | Maximal effort. |
| Verb | maximise | Maximise output. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The maximum fine is five thousand pounds.Legal use.
- The function has two local maxima.Mathematics keeps the Latin plural.
- Aim to maximise the light in the room.The verb.
Maximum and its relatives
- Maximum — the greatest amount
- Minimum — the least
- Optimum — the best, which may be neither extreme
- Maximal / minimal — adjectives, used mostly in technical writing
- Cap — an imposed upper limit
From Latin *maximum*, the neuter of *maximus*, greatest, the superlative of *magnus*, great. The same root gives *magnitude*, *magnify* and *majesty*.
Maximums or maxima?
Both are correct. Maximums is fine in general writing; maxima is standard in mathematics and science.
Maximum or optimum?
The maximum is the most. The optimum is the best, which is often less than the most.