How to pronounce maximum
Say it like MAK-suh-mum. Maximum has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAK).
- MAK
- suh
- mum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Maximum pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- suhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- mumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of maximum
American and British speakers say maximum in essentially the same way: /ˈmæksəməm/ in the US and /ˈmæksɪməm/ in the UK.
British respelling: MAK-sih-mum.
What does maximum mean?
- The highest limit.
- The greatest value of a set or other mathematical structure, especially the global maximum or a local maximum of a function.
- An upper bound of a set which is also an element of that set.
- To the highest degree.“Use the proper dose for the maximum effect.”
Where does maximum come from?
Via French from Latin maximum.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying maximum
How do you pronounce maximum?
Say MAK-suh-mum. The American pronunciation is /ˈmæksəməm/. In British English it is /ˈmæksɪməm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in maximum?
Maximum has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MAK). Broken into parts: MAK · suh · mum.
Do Americans and Brits say maximum the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈmæksəməm/ and the British form is /ˈmæksɪməm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.