From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishmaximmax‧im /ˈmæksɪm/ noun [countable] SAYINGa well-known phrase or saying, especially one that gives a rule for sensible behaviour → saying
Examples from the Corpus
maxim• According to this principle, we interpret language on the assumption that its sender is obeying four maxims.• But the Freudian maxim holds true: Laughter is just an expression of fear.• Anderson's respect appears undiminished, however, and is further indicated in his upholding of the modesty maxim.• Just as the quality maxim can be flouted for effect, so can the other three.• That's always been one of Father's maxims.• The report appears content that such rhetorical gaps loom between the concrete evidence it amasses and the maxims it imparts.• But why should these maxims be flouted in this way?Origin maxim (1400-1500) French maxime, from Latin maximus; → MAXIMUM2 