maximize
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to increase something to the highest possible amount or level.
to increase or make as great as possible in size, amount, or importance. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Simple“The company is trying to maximize its profits by cutting unnecessary costs.”
In context“To maximize the efficiency of the new solar panels, the engineers adjusted the angle of the array to capture more direct sunlight throughout the day.”
UsageOften used in business and scientific contexts with abstract nouns like 'potential', 'efficiency', or 'profit'.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
to make a window on a computer screen fill the entire display area.
to expand a graphical user interface window to its maximum size, typically filling the entire screen.
Simple“You can maximize the video window to see the details more clearly.”
In context“After opening the spreadsheet, maximize the window so that all the columns are visible without needing to scroll horizontally.”
UsageUsually used as a transitive verb or in the passive voice when referring to the state of the window.
Usage maximise benefit · maximise potential · maximise profit
“To cut spending, she makes the most of discounts and deals, and joins with friends to maximise the benefits.”
“The researchers themselves took steps to maximise safety.”
From Latin maximus + -ize.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.