maximum

Everyday

1. The maximum is the largest amount, number or size that is possible or allowed: "the maximum is 30 pupils". tree →
2. (adjective) Maximum means the greatest: "maximum speed", "maximum score". tree →
3. (informal) Maximum after a number means "at most": "it'll take ten minutes maximum". tree →
4. (informal) "To the max" means as much as possible. tree →

In the lessons

In maths, the maximum of a set of data is the largest value; range = maximum − minimum. In science, a maximum thermometer records the highest temperature. In safety, signs show the maximum weight on a lift or the maximum speed on a road. Phrases: maximum speed, maximum of, at the maximum, maximum temperature, maximum score, to the max.

Examples

• The maximum score on the test is 50. tree →
• The lift can carry a maximum of 8 people. tree →
• In the list 3, 9, 4, 7 the maximum is 9. tree →
• The range is the maximum minus the minimum. tree →
• Today's maximum temperature will be 25 degrees. tree →
• The car's maximum speed is 180 kilometres an hour. tree →
• It'll take twenty minutes, maximum. tree →
• We turned the music up to the max. tree →

Note

Opposite: minimum. Abbreviation: max. "A maximum of 8" means 8 or fewer; 8 is allowed, 9 is not. Plural: maximums (everyday) or maxima (in maths and science).