Words / B1

MAKS-im-uh-m/ˈmæksɪməm/

Maximum is the most allowed or possible: the maximum speed; a maximum of twenty; maximum mark. Minimum is the opposite. Max is informal. As a noun: a maximum of. Do not write “maximum twenty of people” — say a maximum of twenty people. Speed cameras use maximum speed limit.

Meaning

As large, fast, or high as possible; the most allowed.

Examples

• “The maximum mark on this paper is forty.”
• “The maximum score on the speaking paper is 30.”
• “A maximum of four items can go in the cabin bag.”

Good to know

the maximum + noun; a maximum of + number. Opposite: minimum. Informal: max. Not “maximum twenty of people”.

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