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maximum

maximum

noun mahk-see-MOM Less Common

Origin: Latin maximum

Usage Note

Maximum is used as both a noun and an invariable adjective: le maximum autorisé (the permitted maximum). In informal speech, au max is a common shortening meaning 'at most' or 'to the max'. The plural is typically maximums in everyday French, though maxima exists in scientific writing.

Examples

"Vous pouvez rester au maximum deux heures."

Natural Translation

You can stay for a maximum of two hours.

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