French Conversation · Level 21
89 words
French word
maximal
Pronunciation
IPA/maksimal/
Meaning
- adjectivemaximum
Example
J'ai réglé le volume au niveau maximal.
I set the volume to the maximum level.
More examples
Pour réussir, il a fait un effort maximal.
To succeed, he made a maximum effort.
Core concept
The absolute upper limit of a measurable quantity or degree.
Common phrases
au niveau maximal
at the maximum level
un effort maximal
maximum effort
le volume maximal
maximum volume
Similar words
maximum: At the upper limit, with no further increase possible.
extrême: Extremely high and well outside the usual range.
élevé: Above the usual level in degree or intensity.
Definition in French
Qui atteint le degré le plus élevé possible en taille, en intensité ou en quantité.
Word origin
French maximal is a learned borrowing from Late Latin maximalis, based on Latin maximus for the highest degree or greatest size.
Usage tips
- For sound volume, "à fond" is more idiomatic in informal French, while maximal suits technical or formal contexts.