maxim

Meaning

1. A self-evident axiom or premise; a pithy expression of a general principle or rule.
2. A precept; a succinct statement or observation of a rule of conduct or moral teaching.

Synonyms

proverb

saying

adage

aphorism

motto

axiom

precept

expression

idiom

phrase

dictum

gnome

saw

🪚

wise saying

apophthegm

Sutra

epigram

self-evident truth

sentence

phrases

pompom

byword

apothegm

byspel

adjudication

tenet

truism

verdict

set phrase

gnome 2

epigraph

old saw

formula

idioms

locution

moral

cliches

catchphrase

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈmæk.sɪm/

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman maxime and Middle French maxime, from Late Latin maxima (“axiom”), noun use of the feminine singular form of Latin maximus (apparently as used in the phrase prōpositiō maxima (“greatest premise”)). Doublet of maxima.