maw /mɔː / (maws ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] If you describe something as a maw , you mean that it is like a big open mouth which swallows everything near it. [LITERARY ] □ …helping to chop wood to feed the red maw of the stove.
mawk|ish /mɔː k I ʃ/ ADJ You can describe something as mawkish when you think it is sentimental and silly. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ A sordid, sentimental plot unwinds, with an inevitable mawkish ending.
max. /mæ ks/ ADJ [ADJ n] Max. is an abbreviation for maximum , and is often used after numbers or amounts. □ I'll give him eight out of 10, max.
max|im /mæ ks I m/ (maxims ) N‑COUNT A maxim is a rule for good or sensible behaviour, especially one in the form of a saying. □ I believe in the maxim 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'.
max|im|ize /mæ ks I ma I z/ (maximizes , maximizing , maximized ) in BRIT, also use maximise 1 VERB If you maximize something, you make it as great in amount or importance as you can. □ [V n] In order to maximize profit, the firm would seek to maximize output. ● maxi|mi|za|tion /mæ ks I ma I ze I ʃ ə n/ N‑UNCOUNT □ …a pricing policy that was aimed at profit maximisation. [Also + of ]
2 VERB If you maximize a window on a computer screen, you make it as large as possible. □ [V n] Click on the square icon to maximize the window.
maxi|mum ◆◇◇ /mæ ks I məm/
1 ADJ [ADJ n] You use maximum to describe an amount which is the largest that is possible, allowed, or required. □ Under planning law the maximum height for a fence or hedge is 2 metres. □ China headed the table with maximum points. ● N‑SING Maximum is also a noun. □ [+ of ] The law provides for a maximum of two years in prison.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] You use maximum to indicate how great an amount is. □ …the maximum amount of information. □ It was achieved with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency. □ …a maximum security prison.
3 ADV If you say that something is a particular amount maximum , you mean that this is the greatest amount it should be or could possibly be, although a smaller amount is acceptable or very possible. □ We need an extra 6g a day maximum.
4 PHRASE If you say that someone does something to the maximum , you are emphasizing that they do it to the greatest degree possible. [EMPHASIS ] □ You have to develop your capabilities to the maximum.
may ◆◆◆ /me I / May is a modal verb. It is used with the base form of a verb. 1 MODAL You use may to indicate that something will possibly happen or be true in the future, but you cannot be certain. [VAGUENESS ] □ We may have some rain today. □ I may be back next year. □ I don't know if they'll publish it or not. They may. □ Scientists know that cancer may not show up for many years.
2 MODAL You use may to indicate that there is a possibility that something is true, but you cannot be certain. [VAGUENESS ] □ Civil rights officials say there may be hundreds of other cases of racial violence.
3 MODAL You use may to indicate that something is sometimes true or is true in some circumstances. □ A vegetarian diet may not provide enough calories for a child's normal growth. □ Up to five inches of snow may cover the mountains.
4 MODAL You use may have with a past participle when suggesting that it is possible that something happened or was true, or when giving a possible explanation for something. [VAGUENESS ] □ He may have been to some of those places. □ The chaos may have contributed to the deaths of up to 20 people.
5 MODAL You use may in statements where you are accepting the truth of a situation, but contrasting it with something that is more important. □ I may be almost 50, but there aren't a lot of things I've forgotten.
6 MODAL You use may when you are mentioning a quality or fact about something that people can make use of if they want to. □ The bag has narrow straps, so it may be worn over the shoulder or carried in the hand.
7 MODAL You use may to indicate that someone is allowed to do something, usually because of a rule or law. You use may not to indicate that someone is not allowed to do something. □ What is the nearest you may park to a junction? □ Adolescents under the age of 18 may not work in jobs that require them to drive.
8 MODAL You use may when you are giving permission to someone to do something, or when asking for permission. [FORMAL ] □ Mr Hobbs? May we come in? □ If you wish, you may now have a glass of milk.
9 MODAL You use may when you are making polite requests. [FORMAL , POLITENESS ] □ I'd like the use of your living room, if I may. □ May I come with you to Southampton?
10 MODAL You use may when you are mentioning the reaction or attitude that you think someone is likely to have to something you are about to say. □ You know, Brian, whatever you may think, I work hard for a living.
11 MODAL You use may in expressions such as I may add and I may say in order to emphasize a statement that you are making. [EMPHASIS ] □ They spent their afternoons playing golf–extremely badly, I may add–around Loch Lomond. □ Both of them, I may say, are thoroughly reliable men.
12 MODAL If you do something so that a particular thing may happen, you do it so that there is an opportunity for that thing to happen. □ …the need for more surgeons so that patients may be treated more quickly.