maximum

Compared meaning: reaching the highest degree (adjective).

比较义项：达到最大限度的，最高的（形容词）。

• maximum 本词

  Describes a measurable upper limit — weight, speed, size, score — that something reaches or must not exceed; neutral, technical register, often paired with 'limit' or a unit.

  用于描述某事物所能达到或不可超过的可测量上限——如重量、速度、尺寸、分数；语气中性、偏技术性，常与“限度”或单位搭配使用。

  The lift's maximum capacity is eight people, so we split into two groups.

  这部电梯的最大载客量是八人，所以我们分成两组。

• supreme

  Describes the highest possible rank, authority or importance in a hierarchy — often abstract, like power or a court's ruling; formal, sometimes reverent, never used for measurable limits.

  用于描述在等级、权威或重要性上的最高地位——常用于抽象事物，如权力或法院的裁决；语气正式，有时带有崇敬意味，不用于可测量的限度。

  The judge's ruling was supreme, and no other court could overturn it.

  法官的裁决是至高无上的，没有其他法院能够推翻它。

Maximum and supreme can both mean reaching the highest degree, but their use differs. Maximum describes a measurable upper limit, like weight or speed, and sounds neutral. Supreme describes the highest rank, authority, or importance, often for abstract things like power, and sounds formal.

这两个词都可表示“达到最高程度”，但侧重不同：maximum 强调可测量的数值上限，语气中性客观，常见于重量、速度、尺寸等具体数据；supreme 强调在等级、权威或重要性上无可超越，语气正式庄重，多用于抽象概念，不用于具体数值。