maxim

max·im

noun \ˈmak-səm\

Definition of MAXIM

1

: a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct

2

: a proverbial saying

Examples of MAXIM

1. <it's a common maxim that “a watched pot never boils,” but that's not literally true>

Origin of MAXIM

Middle English maxime, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin maxima, from Latin, feminine of maximus, superl. of magnus large — more at much

First Known Use: 1567

Related to MAXIM

Synonyms: adage, aphorism, apothegm, byword, epigram, saying, proverb, saw, sententia, word

Related Words: bromide, cliché (also cliche), commonplace, platitude, wheeze; expression, felicity; axiom, motto, precept, truism, truth; formula; comment, note, reflection, remark

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Other Literature Terms

apophasis, bathos, bildungsroman, bowdlerize, caesura, coda, doggerel, euphemism, poesy, prosody