ENGLISH
REFERENCE

maximum

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈmæksəməm// UK //mˈæksɪməm// max·i·mum General-service Informal

n. the largest amount or highest level that is possible or allowed. You use it to talk about limits, like the most people a room can hold.

n. the greatest quantity, degree, or number possible or permissible in a given context. Often used to define upper limits or peak values in statistical or physical data.


SIMPLE

The maximum for this elevator is ten people.

CONTEXTUAL

The stadium reached its maximum capacity an hour before the championship game began.

COMPLEX

The researchers recorded a maximum of fifty degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature ever observed in this specific region during the summer months.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Via French from Latin maximum.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' when specifying a quantity or 'for' when specifying a purpose.

Pitfall

the maximum of peoplethe maximum number of peopleWhen referring to countable items, 'maximum' should be followed by 'number of' or 'amount of' rather than the noun alone.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference