maxim
UK: ˈmæk.sɪm | US: ˈmæk.sɪm
n. a short, concise statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct
n. a principle or rule of behavior
maxim = max<greatest> + im<noun suffix>
- max (from Latin maximus, meaning "greatest" or "largest")
- im (a noun-forming suffix, often derived from Latin -imus, indicating a principle or statement)
Etymology Origin:
The word "maxim" originates from the Latin maxima, the feminine form of maximus ("greatest"). It originally referred to the "greatest proposition" in medieval logic and later evolved to denote a concise, authoritative statement of wisdom or rule. The term reflects the idea of distilling the "greatest" or most essential truth into a brief form.
"Honesty is the best policy" is a well-known maxim.
She lived her life according to the maxim "Treat others as you wish to be treated."
The coach often repeated the maxim "Practice makes perfect."
Ancient philosophers were fond of creating maxims to guide behavior.
His speech was filled with practical maxims about leadership.