maximus

From Proto-Italic *magisəmos, from Proto-Indo-European *méǵh₂s (“great”).

Pronunciation

• (Classical Latin) IPA^(key): /ˈmak.si.mus/, [ˈmäks̠ɪmʊs̠]
• (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA^(key): /ˈmak.si.mus/, [ˈmäksimus]
• Note: the only evidence for a long /a/ in this word is the inscriptional MÁX(IMVS) in the acts of the Arval Brethren for 120 CE. If genuine, this would be an example of the much-debated Lachmann's law.

Adjective

maximus (feminine maxima, neuter maximum, positive magnus); first/second declension

1. Superlative degree of magnus: greatest (in various senses):
   1. (of size) biggest, largest [ antonyms ▲]

      Antonyms: minimus, tenuissimus

   2. (of number, value, amount) largest
      1. (of sound) loudest
      2. (law, of property) unencumbered

         uti optimae maximaeque sunt (aedēs) ― the building is free from any encumberance

   3. (of age) oldest, eldest

      maximus nātū ― the eldest

   4. (of degree) highest, utmost

      maximō opere ― extremely, vehemently, with the greatest intensity

   5. (of things) most important, chief, leading, critical

      maximī facere ― to value greatly, make much of

   6. (of power or reputation) mightiest, most eminent, senior or distinguished

      annālēs maximī ― the annals compiled by the Pontifex Maximus

   7. (with agent nouns) outstanding (denoting excellence in a special activity)
   8. (of mind, spirit) most confident, bravest; most generous

Declension

First/second-declension adjective, with locative.

Number	Singular				Plural
Case / Gender	Masculine	Feminine	Neuter		Masculine	Feminine	Neuter
Nominative	maximus	maxima	maximum		maximī	maximae	maxima
Genitive	maximī	maximae	maximī		maximōrum	maximārum	maximōrum
Dative	maximō		maximō		maximīs
Accusative	maximum	maximam	maximum		maximōs	maximās	maxima
Ablative	maximō	maximā	maximō		maximīs
Vocative	maxime	maxima	maximum		maximī	maximae	maxima
Locative	maximī	maximae	maximī		maximīs

Derived terms

• Iuppiter Optimus Maximus