Basic Details
Word: Maxim
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A short saying that teaches a principle or rule of behaviour.
Synonyms: Saying, proverb, adage
Antonyms: N/A
Idioms and Phrases
- Practice what you preach: This means to act in accordance with the principles you advise others to follow. Example: "If you're going to tell your friends to be honest, you should practice what you preach."
- A penny saved is a penny earned: This suggests that saving money is just as important as earning it. Example: "Before buying that new video game, remember that a penny saved is a penny earned."
Usage Examples
Example 1: One popular maxim is "Honesty is the best policy," reminding us to be truthful in our dealings.
Example 2: My grandmother often shared a maxim that said, "Actions speak louder than words," to encourage us to follow through on our promises.
Example 3: The teacher introduced a new maxim for the school year: "Teamwork makes the dream work," encouraging students to collaborate.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "maxim" comes from the Latin term "maxima," which means "the greatest"? This reflects how maxims express significant truths or principles in a concise way.
Famous Quote
"The maxim of the wise is: To be aware of the great, to take care of the little." - Friedrich Nietzsche
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "maxim" mean?
a) A long story
b) A short saying that teaches a principle
c) A kind of animal
d) A type of food
Answer: b) A short saying that teaches a principle
2. Which of these is a synonym of "maxim"?
a) Story
b) Saying
c) Animal
d) Meal
Answer: b) Saying
3. Which idiom means you should act according to the advice you give?
a) A penny saved is a penny earned
b) Practice what you preach
c) Actions speak louder than words
d) All of the above
Answer: b) Practice what you preach
4. Which sentence uses "maxim" correctly?
a) His favourite maxim is to always brush his teeth before bed.
b) A maxim is just a number.
c) She wrote a maxim about how to cook.
d) The maxim advises us to work hard.
Answer: d) The maxim advises us to work hard.
5. What is the opposite of "maxim"?
a) N/A
b) Confusion
c) Long speech
d) Question
Answer: a) N/A
