What is the difference between maximum/minimum and maximal/minimal?

Often, these two sets of terms are used interchangeably or incorrectly, so we must take care to differentiate between the sets and use them appropriately. Please review the following:

• Maximum - the greatest possible amount or the greatest allowable amount (exact)

• Maximal – hardly ever used outside of mathematics/engineering

• Minimum - the lowest possible amount or the lowest allowable amount (exact)

• Minimal – very little, or not very much at all (inexact)

Please note that there is no “minimal” equivalent for “maximum” in English.

Article written by Courtney C