Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To make something as large, great, or extensive as possible. This involves increasing a quantity, degree, or effect to its highest attainable level.
   • To make the best or most effective use of a situation, opportunity, or resource.

Usage and Examples

• General Usage:

  • The company aims to maximise shareholder value. (The company's goal is to increase shareholder value to the greatest possible amount.)
  • You should maximise the window to see the full document. (You should enlarge the window to its largest size to view the entire document.)
  • Farmers use techniques to maximise crop yield. (Farmers employ methods to get the highest possible amount of crops from their land.)

• Making the most of something:

  • She maximised her time by studying during her commute. (She used her commuting time in the most productive way possible by studying.)
  • A good leader knows how to maximise the team's strengths. (A good leader understands how to use the team's abilities to their fullest potential.)

Advanced Usage

• In Economics/Mathematics: To find the maximum value of a function or variable.
  • The algorithm is designed to maximise efficiency. (The algorithm is created to achieve the highest possible level of efficiency.)
• In Computing/User Interfaces: To enlarge a window on a screen to fill the entire display.
  • Click the square icon to maximise the application. (Click the square icon to make the application window as large as the screen.)

Variants and Related Words

• Maximization (noun): The act or process of making something as large or great as possible.
  • The maximization of profits is a key business objective.
• Maximum (noun/adjective): The greatest possible amount, size, or degree.
  • The maximum capacity of the room is 100 people.
• Maximiser (noun): A person or thing that maximizes something.
  • He is a satisfaction maximiser, always seeking the best possible outcome.

Synonyms

• Optimize: To make the best or most effective use of a situation or resource. (Often implies achieving the most favorable balance, while focuses on the greatest size or amount.)
• Increase to the utmost: To raise something to its highest possible level.
• Make the most of: To use something to the greatest advantage.

Antonyms

• Minimise: To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.
• Reduce: To make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Idioms

(Note: "Maximise" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verbs. The concept is often expressed with phrases.) - To max out (informal): To reach a limit or to use something to its full capacity. - I maxed out my credit card. (I used my credit card up to its spending limit.) - To get the most out of: To gain the greatest possible benefit from something. - Follow these tips to get the most out of your new software. (Follow these tips to use your new software as effectively as possible.)

Verb

1. make as big or large as possible
   • Maximize your profits!
2. make the most of
   • He maximized his role