Maxims and Axioms: Understanding the Difference

Maxim vs. Axiom

Maxim and axiom are two words that might seem the same, but they have different meanings. Let’s look at each word to understand them better.

Maxim

Maxim: A maxim is a short saying or sentence that gives advice or tells a truth. It is like a simple rule for life.

History: The word comes from the Latin word “maxima,” which means “greatest.” People have used maxims for a long time to share wisdom.

How to Use: You use a maxim when you want to give advice or share a wise thought.

Examples of Maxim:

• Actions speak louder than words.
• Better late than never.
• An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
• Honesty is the best policy.
• You can’t judge a book by its cover.

Trick to Remember: Think of maxim like the maximum advice or rule someone can give you.

Axiom

Axiom: An axiom is a statement that is accepted as true and is used as the starting point for further reasoning or arguments. It is a basic truth.

History: The word comes from the Greek word “axioma,” which means “that which is thought worthy or fit.”

How to Use: You use an axiom as a foundation or starting point to build other ideas or arguments.

Examples of Axiom:

• 1+1=2.
• The shortest distance between two points is a straight line.
• Things equal to the same thing are equal to each other.
• If it is raining, then the ground is wet.
• A whole is greater than any of its parts.

Trick to Remember: Think of axiom as the axle that everything else spins around. It is the center or starting point.

Summary

Both maxim and axiom are about truths, but they are used in different ways. A maxim is a piece of advice or wisdom, while an axiom is a basic truth that we use to build other ideas. Remember: maxim = advice, axiom = basic truth.