maxim

/ˈmæksɪm/ (bre, ipa) · [mˈæksəm] /ˈmæksɪm/ (ame, ipa) · [mˈæksəm] /ˈmak-səm/ (ame, mw)

1.名詞B2

釋義

A short, well-known phrase that states a general truth or gives a practical rule for how to live or behave.

例句

My grandmother often repeated the old maxim that honesty is the best policy.

collocation: old maxim / maxim + that-clause

A well-known maxim advises people to treat others as they wish to be treated.

同義詞

proverb
Older and from folk tradition; a proverb is usually anonymous, while a maxim may come from a known thinker or writer.
saying
A broader term for any common phrase; less formal and less tied to a behavioural rule than maxim.
aphorism
More clever or literary in tone, often attributed to a specific philosopher or writer; a maxim is more practical and action-oriented.
motto
Adopted by a specific group, family, or institution as its guiding principle; a maxim is general wisdom anyone can use.

maxim + that-clause

the maxim that + clause

Often introduced by the verbs quote, repeat, or follow. Frequently appears in the pattern 'the maxim that + clause' to state the principle itself.

❌My grandfather lived by the proverb that hard work never hurt anyone.

✅My grandfather lived by the maxim that hard work never hurt anyone.

💡A maxim states a practical life principle, whereas a proverb is a traditional folk saying that is usually older and anonymous.

maxim — noun