What's the difference between maximum and highest?
When should I use maximum and when should I use highest?

For example, my fan has three levels and I have it at 3. Should I say "I put my fan at its maximum level"? or "I put my fan at its highest level"?. Thank you.

Question

What's the difference between maximum and highest?
When should I use maximum and when should I use highest?

For example, my fan has three levels and I have it at 3. Should I say "I put my fan at its maximum level"? or "I put my fan at its highest level"?. Thank you.

Answer

The highest is the thing that is higher than all the others.
The maximum is the limit to which it can go.

- Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
- This amp goes up to 11. That's its maximum.

In your case the highest the fan can go is setting number three. That's its maximum. So both are ok to use.

Answer

Hello. I think both versions are possible ;)

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