Words / B2

MAKS-im-yz/ˈmæksɪmaɪz/

To maximise is to make something as large or as effective as possible (British -ise): maximise the sample; maximise attendance. Increase is weaker; optimise stresses best mix. Maximise the sample, not the adjective. Opposite: minimise (already elsewhere). Mix-up: maximum is the noun/adjective (already in the dictionary). Do not write maximize in a UK script unless the paper uses US spelling.

Meaning

To make something as large or as effective as possible (British spelling).

Examples

• “Maximise the sample, not the adjective in the abstract.”
• “The club wanted to maximise attendance, which is the make-effective sense.”

Good to know

maximise + noun; maximisation. Opposite: minimise. Noun/adj: maximum. UK -ise. Methods, PE, and business. Make as large/effective as possible.

New