Maximize means to make something as large, effective, or complete as possible. When you maximize your study time before a test, you use every available minute wisely instead of letting some slip away. When a coach maximizes her team's potential, she helps each player perform at their absolute best.

To maximize is to reach for the maximum, to get the most out of whatever you're working with. A farmer maximizes crop yields by carefully planning what to plant where. A writer maximizes the impact of a story by choosing exactly the right words.

You can maximize tangible things like space (arranging furniture to maximize room in a bedroom) or money (shopping during sales to maximize what you can buy). You can also maximize intangible things like happiness, learning, or opportunities. When you maximize something, you're making it the best it can possibly be given your circumstances and resources.

The opposite of maximize is minimize, which means to make something as small as possible. A student might try to maximize correct answers on a test while minimizing careless mistakes.