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Definition of "maxim" []

  • A succinct formulation of a fundamental principle, general truth, or rule of conduct. See Synonyms at saying. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "maxim" in a sentence
  • "This maxim is a wise guide to a great and simple precaution in life: Never, ever, think about something else when you should be thinking about the power of incentives …"
  • "[5] this maxim is as true as ever fell from poetical pen & there has more morality distilled from the waters of Helicon [6] than ever was procured from the withered skulls of metaphysicians or Philosophers."
  • "And the old ‘first impressions’ maxim is one which cuts both ways, unfortunately for all concerned."