máxima

maxim

noun MAHK-see-mah Rare

Origin: From Latin maxima (greatest), short for maxima propositio (greatest proposition).

Also means

principle

Usage Note

Máxima is a concise statement of a general truth or rule of conduct — similar to a proverb but more formal. Una máxima moral is a moral maxim. As an adjective (feminine of máximo), máxima means 'maximum' or 'greatest': la temperatura máxima (the maximum temperature). Context makes the sense clear. Do not confuse with máximo (masculine adjective/noun) or maximal (a less common mathematical term).

Examples

"Su máxima era siempre decir la verdad."

Natural Translation

His maxim was always to tell the truth.

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