maxim

 Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++朗文当代英语 5++LDOCE 5++朗文 5++

Related topics: Linguistics

max·im /ˈmæksɪm/ noun [countable]  SAYINGa well-known phrase or saying, especially one that gives a rule for sensible behaviour 箴言，格言 → saying

Examples from the Corpus

maxim• According to this principle, we interpret language on the assumption that its sender is obeying four maxims.• But the Freudian maxim holds true: Laughter is just an expression of fear.• Anderson's respect appears undiminished, however, and is further indicated in his upholding of the modesty maxim.• Just as the quality maxim can be flouted for effect, so can the other three.• That's always been one of Father's maxims.• The report appears content that such rhetorical gaps loom between the concrete evidence it amasses and the maxims it imparts.• But why should these maxims be flouted in this way?Origin maxim (1400-1500) French maxime, from Latin maximus; → MAXIMUM2

max·im nounChineseSyllable  

or especially one phrase Corpus saying, a that well-known

maxim
max‧im /ˈmæksəm, ˈmæksɪm/ noun [countable]a well-known phrase or saying, especially one that gives a rule for sensible behaviour ⇨ saying

maximBrE /ˈmæksɪm/ 🔊NAmE /ˈmæksɪm/ 🔊 nouna well-known phrase that expresses sth that is usually true or that people think is a rule for sensible behaviour 格言；箴言；座右铭