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Maxims Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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maxims

[ˈmæksɪmz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

philosophy

Short, pithy statements expressing a general truth or rule of conduct.

Synonyms

adage, aphorism, proverb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
aphorism

Concise statement that expresses a truth or wisdom in a witty or clever way; often used in literary or philosophical contexts.

  • He quoted an aphorism by Oscar Wilde: 'To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.'
  • The book is filled with insightful aphorisms about life and love.
adage

Short, traditional saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice; commonly used in informal conversation and literature.

  • There's an old adage that says 'better late than never'.
  • My grandmother often cited the adage 'a stitch in time saves nine'.
proverb

Short, commonly known phrase that gives advice or tells something about life, typically grounded in collective experience; widely used in everyday language and cultural expressions.

  • The proverb 'actions speak louder than words' is known worldwide.
  • She always relied on the proverb 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do' when traveling.

Examples of usage

  • She lived by the maxim 'treat others as you would like to be treated'.
  • One of the famous maxims is 'knowledge is power'.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Famous writers like Benjamin Franklin included numerous maxims in his works, often reflecting his values and humor.
  • The term is often cited in literature to express moral lessons, such as in Aesop's Fables where each story ends with a moral maxim.
  • In many cultures, maxims appear in proverbs, encapsulating wisdom from generations past.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Kant utilized maxims as a way to express moral laws, arguing that actions should be guided by universal principles.
  • In ethics, a maxim is typically a guiding principle or rule that helps individuals decide how to act in different situations.
  • The distinction between maxims and mere opinions is significant; maxims suggest a deeper understanding of truth and integrity.

Pop Culture

  • Maxims can be found in many famous movies, where characters share wisdom through memorable quotes.
  • In modern pop culture, maxims are often condensed into hashtags or short phrases shared on social media.
  • Some popular maxims, like 'what goes around comes around', resonate widely and are frequently referenced in various artistic expressions.

Psychology

  • Psychologists recognize the power of maxims in shaping beliefs and behaviors; they act as mental shortcuts in decision-making.
  • Maxims can influence self-talk and motivation, helping individuals to focus on positive affirmations and life rules.
  • In cognitive behavioral therapy, clients may be encouraged to create personal maxims that reflect healthy thought patterns.

Origin of 'maxims'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'maxima' which means 'the greatest or most important'.
  • It was first used in English during the late 14th century, emphasizing principles or rules of conduct.
  • In philosophy, maxims often serve as foundational truths influencing ethical decision-making.

The word 'maxims' originated from the Latin word 'maxima', which means 'greatest' or 'largest'. In philosophy, maxims are often attributed to philosophers and thinkers who expressed their wisdom through concise statements. Maxims have been used throughout history to convey important principles and moral values.

See also: maximise, maximum.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,849, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.