Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
You use ~ to describe an amount which is the largest that is possible, allowed, or required.
Under planning law the ~ height for a fence or hedge is 2 metres...
China headed the table with ~ points.
? minimum
ADJ: ADJ n
•
Maximum is also a noun.
The law provides for a ~ of two years in prison...
? minimum
N-SING: oft a N of amount
2.
You use ~ to indicate how great an amount is.
...the ~ amount of information...
It was achieved with minimum fuss and ~ efficiency.
...a ~ security prison.
? minimum
ADJ: ADJ n
3.
If you say that something is a particular amount ~, you mean that this is the greatest amount it should be or could possibly be, although a smaller amount is acceptable or very possible.
We need an extra 6g a day ~.
? minimum
ADV: amount ADV
4.
If you say that someone does something to the ~, you are emphasizing that they do it to the greatest degree possible.
You have to develop your capabilities to the ~.
= to the full
PHRASE: PHR after v emphasis