maximise
Meaning
to increase something as much as possible
to make the best use of something
Structure
Usage
the company aims to maximise profits while minimising costs.
we need to maximise the use of available space in the apartment.
good time management helps you maximise your productivity.
Etymology
the word 'maximise' is built upon the latin superlative adjective 'maximus', meaning 'greatest'. this root is combined with the productive verb-forming suffix '-ise', which entered english via old french from latin '-izare', itself borrowed from greek '-izein'. the literal construction means 'to make the greatest'. over time, this evolved from a purely mathematical or quantitative sense of making something the largest possible to encompass the more abstract and strategic meaning of making the most effective or optimal use of a resource or situation.
Analysis
maxim originates from latin 'maximus', meaning 'greatest'. ise is a verb-forming suffix of greek origin via latin and french, indicating 'to make' or 'to become'.