maxim
maxim — noun
1. A short, well-known phrase that states a general truth or gives a practical rule
A short, well-known phrase that states a general truth or gives a practical rule for how to live or behave.
My grandmother often repeated the old maxim that honesty is the best policy.
collocation: old maxim / maxim + that-clause
A well-known maxim advises people to treat others as they wish to be treated.
During the meeting, Trang quoted the business maxim that the customer is always right.
The maxim 'look before you leap' reminds people to think carefully before they act.
Hari's favourite maxim was that hard work always pays off in the end.
- proverb
Older and from folk tradition; a proverb is usually anonymous, while a maxim may come from a known thinker or writer.
- saying
A broader term for any common phrase; less formal and less tied to a behavioural rule than maxim.
- aphorism
More clever or literary in tone, often attributed to a specific philosopher or writer; a maxim is more practical and action-oriented.
- motto
Adopted by a specific group, family, or institution as its guiding principle; a maxim is general wisdom anyone can use.
文法句型
maxim + that-clause
the maxim that + clause
用法筆記
Often introduced by the verbs quote, repeat, or follow. Frequently appears in the pattern 'the maxim that + clause' to state the principle itself.