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maximum
/ˈmæksɪməm/
It represents a hard ceiling—an absolute limit that cannot or should not be exceeded. It carries a sense of finality and restriction, often associated with rules, laws, or physical capacities.
While 'greatest' is descriptive, 'maximum' is often prescriptive. In technical or legal contexts, it implies a boundary set by authority or nature, whereas words like 'peak' suggest a natural high point that might be temporary.
Countable when referring to a specific limit set for a category ('The maximums were adjusted for each grade level'). Uncountable when discussing the general concept of an upper bound or peak value ('We have reached the absolute maximum').
💬Casual Conversation
Server's capping me. What's the maximum file size for these uploads?
Check the handbook. I'm not your personal search engine.
Meanings
Examples
The treaty established a maximum quota for imports.