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Maximum vs Optimum - What's the difference?

maximum | optimum |

As nouns the difference between maximum and optimum

is that maximum is the highest limit while optimum is the best or most favorable condition, or the greatest amount or degree possible under specific sets of comparable circumstances.

As adjectives the difference between maximum and optimum

is that maximum is to the highest degree while optimum is best or most advantageous; surpassing all others.

maximum

Noun

(en-noun)
  • The highest limit.
  • * P. Colquhoun
  • Good legislation is the art of conducting a nation to the maximum of happiness, and the minimum of misery.
  • (mathematics) The greatest value of a set or other mathematical structure, especially the global maximum or a local maximum of a function.
  • (analysis) An upper bound of a set which is also an element of that set.
  • (statistics) The largest value of a batch or sample or the upper bound of a probability distribution.
  • (colloquial, snooker) A 147 break; the highest possible break.
  • (colloquial, darts) A score of with three darts.
  • (colloquial, cricket) A scoring shot for 6 runs.
  • Usage notes

    * (term) is the more common plural, especially for the technical senses.

    Hypernyms

    * (statistics) measure of location

    Synonyms

    * max

    Antonyms

    * minimum

    Adjective

    (-)
  • To the highest degree.
  • Use the proper dose for the maximum effect.

    Derived terms

    * antimaximum * global maximum * local maximum * maximal * maximize * maximum break * maximum limit * submaximum

    optimum

    English

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • The best or most favorable condition, or the greatest amount or degree possible under specific sets of comparable circumstances.
  • Derived terms

    * global optimum * local optimum

    Adjective

    (head)
  • best or most advantageous; surpassing all others