I. max ‧ i ‧ mum 1 S3 W3 AC /ˈmæksəməm, ˈmæksɪməm/ BrE AmE adjective [only before noun]
the maximum amount, quantity, speed etc is the largest that is possible or allowed OPP minimum :
The car has a maximum speed of 120 mph.
They made maximum use of the resources available.
To get the maximum benefit, do the exercises slowly.
Display the hologram under a strong light for maximum effect.
The plant is operating at maximum capacity.
maximum amount/number etc
Work out the maximum amount you can afford to spend.
The award will consist of a lump sum to a maximum value of $5,000.
maximum sentence/penalty/fine etc
She faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
II. maximum 2 AC BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Date: 1500-1600 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: maximus 'greatest' , from magnus 'great' ]
the largest number or amount that is possible or is allowed SYN minimum
maximum of
He faces a maximum of seven years in prison.
The company will reimburse you up to a maximum of $1,000.
We might have a third child, but that’s the absolute maximum.
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COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ an absolute maximum
Entries are limited to an absolute maximum of 100 words.
▪ the statutory/legal maximum (=one set by law)
The legal maximum for election contributions was $1,000.
▪ the agreed/stipulated/recommended maximum (=one that is agreed between people)
A pregnant woman should drink no more than the recommended maximum of 4 units per week.
■ verbs
▪ have a maximum
Each submarine will have a maximum of 128 warheads.
▪ reach a maximum
These sheep reach a maximum of 70 kg at adulthood.
▪ exceed a maximum
The fine must not exceed the statutory maximum.
▪ limit/restrict to a maximum
The amount you will have to pay is limited to 10% of the total.
▪ allow a maximum
To lose weight, allow yourself only 1,500 calories per day.
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THESAURUS
▪ limit the highest number, speed, temperature etc that is allowed by a law or rule:
He borrowed money up to the limit that the bank allowed.
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The speed limit is 65 m.p.h.
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There’s no limit on the amount of money that may be brought into the US.
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Pollution levels are over the official limit.
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Some families set limits on how much they spend on each other’s Christmas present.
▪ restrictions rules or laws that strictly control what you are allowed to do:
Travel restrictions might reduce the spread of the disease.
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Unions are pressing for restrictions on steel imports from Japan.
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Because of restrictions on reporting, newspapers were not allowed to cover the story.
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New restrictions have been imposed on immigration.
▪ limitations limits on what a person or thing is able to do – used especially when you would like to be able to do more:
The president was unwilling to accept limitations on his power.
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the limitations of the computer system
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Hikers should know their physical limitations and not take unnecessary risks.
▪ constraints facts or conditions that limit what you can do, for example not having enough time, money etc:
Financial constraints are forcing many people in their twenties to live with their parents.
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The last part of the show had to be cut because of time constraints.
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The constraints of prison life are sometimes too much for people to bear.
▪ maximum the largest number or amount that is possible, normal, or allowed:
Classes have a maximum of twenty students.
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What’s the maximum you can earn before you have to pay tax?
▪ minimum the smallest number or amount that is possible or allowed:
He was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison.
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Our aim is to reduce the number of accidents to an absolute minimum.
▪ ceiling the largest number or amount of something that is officially allowed:
There is a ceiling on the amount of foreign investment.
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Import quotas may rise from the present ceiling of 18.5 million to 20 million.
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Congress was once again considering raising the federal debt ceiling.