maximize
gb/mˈæksəmˌaɪz/ us/mˈæksəmˌaɪz/
B1
English
~ 9500
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
Increase something as much as possible
To make something as big, strong, or good as you can.
Usage pattern:
to maximize [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use *maximize* when they only mean *increase*. *Maximize* suggests reaching the highest or best possible level, not just making something a little bigger. Another mistake is saying *make it maximize* instead of *maximize it*.
Synonyms
optimize (Focuses on making something work in the best possible way, not only making it bigger.)
|
boost (Informal and often about giving a helpful increase, not necessarily to the highest possible level.)
|
increase (More general; does not always imply reaching the highest possible level.)
Antonyms
minimize (Means to reduce something to the lowest possible level, the direct opposite of maximizing.)
|
reduce (General word for making something smaller in amount, often the opposite intention of maximize.)
Collocations
maximize profits
|maximize efficiency
|maximize productivity
|maximize value
|maximize potential
|maximize opportunities
Themes
business
|planning
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company is trying to maximize profits by cutting unnecessary costs.
- To maximize efficiency, we redesigned the entire production line.
- You should maximize the value of your investment by leaving it in the market for several years.
- The coach developed a new strategy to maximize the team's performance.
- We need to maximize the impact of our limited marketing budget.
Learner examples
- I want to maximize my chances of getting the job.
- We changed the plan to maximize our results.
- She exercises every day to maximize her health.
- They used software to maximize energy savings in the building.
- The teacher gave tips to help students maximize their learning.
Verb
technical
B1
action
2
Enlarge a window on a screen
To make a computer window big so it fills almost the whole screen.
Usage pattern:
to maximize [a window]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse *maximize* and *zoom in*. *Maximize* is about making the window itself fill the screen, while *zoom in* is about making the content inside the window bigger.
Synonyms
enlarge (General word for making something bigger; not limited to computer screens.)
|
expand (Often used for making a window or section larger, but not always to full screen.)
Antonyms
minimize (In computing, means to reduce a window to an icon or to the taskbar, the opposite of maximizing it.)
|
restore down (Technical GUI term for returning a maximized window to its previous smaller size.)
Collocations
maximize a window
|maximize the screen
|click maximize
|maximize the browser
|maximize the document window
Themes
technology
|computing
|work
Examples
- Click this icon to maximize the window.
- If you maximize the video, it will be easier to see the details.
- He accidentally maximized the browser and couldn't see the desktop anymore.
- You can double-click the title bar to maximize or restore the window.
- The app opens in a small box, but you can maximize it for a better view.
Learner examples
- Please maximize the screen so everyone can see.
- I maximized the window to read the text more easily.
- She clicked the top-right button to maximize the video.
- You can maximize the document to focus on your work.
- He always maximizes his browser on the big monitor.
Verb
technical
C1
action
3
Make a function’s value largest
In math, to choose numbers so that a formula becomes as large as it can be.
Usage pattern:
to maximize [a function / an objective]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse the general sense of *maximize* with the strict math meaning. In math, *maximize a function* means to find the input that gives the largest output, not just to *increase* it a little.
Synonyms
optimize (Broad technical term; can mean finding the best value, not only the largest numerical value.)
Antonyms
minimize (In mathematics, means to make a function or quantity as small as possible, the standard opposite of maximizing it.)
Collocations
maximize the function
|maximize the objective
|maximize utility
|maximize likelihood
|maximize expected return
Themes
math
|science
|technology
|education
Examples
- The goal of this linear program is to maximize the objective function subject to several constraints.
- In this problem, we need to maximize the area of the rectangle for a fixed perimeter.
- Economists often assume that consumers maximize utility given their budget.
- We use gradient ascent to maximize the likelihood function of the model parameters.
- The algorithm iteratively adjusts the values of x and y to maximize f(x, y).
Learner examples
- In this exercise, we must maximize the function f(x).
- The company wants to maximize profit in the model.
- Students learn how to maximize area with a fixed length of rope.
- The program changes the numbers to maximize the result.
- We try to maximize the score by choosing the best values.
Grammar
Dictionary form
maximize
IPA
GB/mˈæksəmˌaɪz/
US/mˈæksəmˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
max - im - ize (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (max)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: maximize
- 3rd Person Singular: maximizes
- Present Participle: maximizing
- Past: maximized
Word family
Expressions
maximize efficiency
1/mˈæksəmˌaɪz ɪfˈɪʃənsi/
fixed phrase
Make a process work best
To organize work or a system so it gives the most result with the least waste of time, money, or energy.
Examples
- We rearranged the factory floor to maximize efficiency.
- Using automation can help maximize efficiency in routine tasks.
- The new schedule was created to maximize efficiency in the office.
maximize profits
1/mˈæksəmˌaɪz pɹˈɑfɪts/
fixed phrase
Make business profits highest possible
To run a business in a way that makes as much money as possible.
Examples
- Their main goal is to maximize profits for shareholders.
- The company raised prices to maximize profits before the holiday season.
- Some firms focus too much on maximizing profits and ignore social responsibility.
maximize your chances
1/mˈæksəmˌaɪz jˈʊɹ t͡ʃˈænsɪz/
fixed phrase
Make success as likely as possible
To do things that make it more likely that you will succeed.
Examples
- To maximize your chances of getting the job, tailor your résumé to the position.
- Apply early to maximize your chances of being accepted.
- He took extra practice tests to maximize his chances on the exam.
maximize your potential
1/mˈæksəmˌaɪz jˈʊɹ pətˈɛnʃəl/
fixed phrase
Develop your abilities fully
To use and grow your skills and talents as much as you can.
Examples
- Our training program is designed to help you maximize your potential at work.
- The coach encouraged each player to maximize their potential on and off the field.
- Good teachers try to help students maximize their potential.
maximize your time
1/mˈæksəmˌaɪz jˈʊɹ tˈaɪm/
fixed phrase
Use your time very effectively
To use the time you have in the best way so you can do more or get better results.
Examples
- Plan your day carefully to maximize your time.
- He listens to language podcasts while commuting to maximize his time.
- To maximize your time, finish the most important tasks first.