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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Maximum: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：greatest possible amount (maximum)

maximum 🔊

/ˈmæksɪməm/

n./adj.

the greatest or highest amount that is possible or allowed.

Maximum speed illustrated by a car speedometer needle at its highest point.

greatest possible amount 🔊

➕

/ˈɡreɪtɪst ˈpɒsəbl əˈmaʊnt/

n./adj.

The highest quantity that is permitted or achievable under specific conditions.

📁 Category：Buildings & Places 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'maximus', meaning 'greatest'. Root 'max-' denotes superlative degree of 'great' or 'large'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'max' as in 'maximum effort' – pushing to the highest possible level.

📖 Example

To save energy, the air conditioner is set at a maximum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius in summer. 🔊 To conserve energy, the air conditioner is adjusted to a maximum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius during summer.

🔗 Collocations

maximum capacity – the greatest amount that can be contained or handled

set a maximum – establish an upper limit

reach the maximum – achieve the highest possible level

🔄 Synonyms

peak (n.) – the highest point or level

utmost (adj.) – of the greatest degree or amount

limit (n.) – the utmost extent

🚫 Antonyms

minimum (n./adj.) – the smallest or lowest amount possible

🌱 Derivatives

maximize (v.) – to make as great as possible

maximal (adj.) – being the greatest or highest possible

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'maximus', superlative of 'magnus' (great). Entered English in the 16th century, widely used in mathematics, science, and daily contexts to denote upper limits or peaks.

Meaning 2：highest achievable point (maximum)

maximum 🔊

/ˈmæksɪməm/

n./adj.

the highest point or amount that something can reach.

Maximum point shown on a line graph rising to a peak on a whiteboard.

highest achievable point 🔊

➕

/ˈhaɪɪst əˈtʃiːvəbl pɔɪnt/

n./adj.

The top level or quantity that can be attained in a given context.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

In the math competition, her score was the maximum possible, earning her first place. 🔊 In the math contest, she achieved the maximum score possible, securing first place.

🔗 Collocations

maximum score – the highest points attainable

at maximum – at the highest level or capacity

maximum effort – the greatest possible exertion

🔄 Synonyms

climax (n.) – the highest point of intensity or development

zenith (n.) – the time at which something is most powerful or successful

apex (n.) – the top or highest part

🚫 Antonyms

minimum (n./adj.) – the smallest or lowest amount possible

🌱 Derivatives

maximize (v.) – to make as great as possible

maximal (adj.) – being the greatest or highest possible