Word Originmid 17th cent. (as a noun): from modern Latin, neuter (used as a noun) of the Latin adjective maximus, superlative of magnus ‘great’. The adjectival use dates from the early 19th cent.
Word Originmid 17th cent. (as a noun): from modern Latin, neuter (used as a noun) of the Latin adjective maximus, superlative of magnus ‘great’. The adjectival use dates from the early 19th cent.
ADJECTIVE | VERB + MAXIMUM | PREPOSITION | PHRASESADJECTIVE➤absolute絕對極大值▸➤agreed, recommended商定的/建議的最大量◇Do not exceed the recommended maximum of twelve drops a day.不要超過建議的每天 12 滴的最大用量。➤legal, statutory法定的最高限度VERB + MAXIMUM➤achieve, reach, rise to達到最大值;升至頂點◇The temperature reached a maximum of 35°C yesterday.昨天最高氣溫達到了 35 攝氏度。➤exceed超過最大值▸➤allow (sb/sth), permit (sb/sth)允許(⋯的)最大值◇In the exam, allow yourself a maximum of 30 minutes per question.考試中,每題你最多花 30 分鐘。◇the maximum permitted speeds最高限速➤limit sth to, restrict sth to把⋯限定在最大量以內◇The amount you have to pay will be limited to a maximum of £500.你需要支付的金額最多不超過 500 英鎊。PREPOSITION➤above (the) maximum, below (the) maximum高於/低於最大值▸➤at (the) maximum最多◇a drive of four hours at the maximum駕車最多 4 小時的路程➤to (the) maximum到極限◇He is using his talents to the maximum.他正在最大限度地施展自己的才華。➤(up) to a/the maximum達到極限▸➤maximum of最多⋯◇You can claim the allowance for a maximum of six months.你最多可申請 6 個月的補貼。PHRASES➤maximum possible可能的最高極限◇Everyone should contribute the maximum possible.每個人都應該盡自己最大的一分力。
➡ See also the entry for large另见large条maximum ♦︎ intense ♦︎ extreme ♦︎ utmost ♦︎ supremeThese words all describe sth that is very large in degree or amount.这些词均表示最大的、最多的、极度的。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆maximum / extreme / the utmost / supreme importance◆maximum / extreme / the utmost care◆maximum / extreme / the utmost difficulty◆maximum / intense / extreme pleasure / enjoyment◆intense / extreme / supreme happiness◆intense / extreme discomfort / pain■maximum [only before noun] as large, fast, etc. as is possible; the most that is possible or allowed最高的;最多的;最大极限的◆Turn it right up to the maximum volume.把它直接开到最大音量。◆For maximum effect do the exercises every day.每天做这些锻炼以取得最佳效果。◆The offence carries a maximum prison sentence of ten years.该罪最高可判处十年监禁。OPPminimumⓘ Minimum describes the smallest or least of sth that is possible or allowed. * minimum表示最低的、最小的、最低限度的◆a minimum charge / price最低收费/价格◆the minimum age for retirement最低退休年龄◆The work was done with the minimum amount of effort.做这项工作没费什么劲。■intensevery great or strong很大的;十分强烈的◆We were all suffering in the intense heat.我们都在酷热下受折磨。◆The President is under intense pressure to resign.总统承受着沉重的辞职压力。◆He was startled by the intense blue of her eyes.她深蓝色的眼睛让他吃了一惊。■extreme [usually before noun] very great in degree极度的;极大的◆We are working under extreme pressure at the moment.目前我们正在极大的压力下工作。◆There are still thousands of people living in extreme poverty.仍有数以千计的人生活在极度贫困中。◆The heat in the desert was extreme.沙漠中酷热难当。 see also extreme ⇨ serious1, extremely ⇨ veryadv.NOTE辨析 Intense or extreme?Intense describes a very strong or deep feeling or quality. * intense形容情感十分强烈或深切或特征极为鲜明◆intense desire / interest / heat / blue eyes强烈的欲望;浓厚的兴趣;酷热;深蓝色的眼睛Extreme describes a feeling, quality, action or state that is at its limit. * extreme形容情感、特征、行为或状态达到极致◆extreme pain / heat / violence / danger疼痛至极;酷热难当;极端的暴力;极度的危险Extreme very often describes negative things; intense describes both positive and negative things. * extreme常常描述负面的事物,intense描述正面和负面的事物均可。■utmost [only before noun] the most that is possible最大的;极度的◆This is a matter of the utmost importance.这是个至关重要的问题。◆You should study this document with the utmost care.你要慎之又慎地研究这份文件。■supreme suːˈpriːm, BrE also sjuːˈpriːm [usually before noun] very great or the greatest in degree(程度)很大的,最大的◆She smiled with supreme confidence.她充满自信地微微一笑。◆It took a supreme effort to stay calm.尽了最大努力才得以保持平静。◆During the war, many people made the supreme sacrifice(= died for what they believed in).战争期间,许多人作出了最大牺牲。NOTE辨析 Utmost or supreme?Supreme is often used with a positive meaning. * supreme常表示正面的意义◆supreme effort / control / emphasis / courage最大的努力/克制/重视/勇气Utmost can be used with a positive or a more negative meaning. * utmost表示正面或较为负面的意义均可◆the utmost contempt / care / difficulty / importance / respect / severity极为轻蔑/谨慎/困难/重要/尊敬/严重