Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993.
optimize, maximize (vv.)
Optimize is infrequent as an intransitive verb, meaning “to take an optimistic view,” but it has very frequent use as a transitive verb, meaning “to make the most of,” “to get the optimum value or use from,” as in Her hard work optimized the scanty resources available. Maximize means “to increase to the maximum” and “to make the most of” and hence in this latter sense is an exact synonym of optimize: Swift response will maximize our chances for success. These verbs have seen considerable popularity in recent years, maximize in particular coming close to cliché status. But see also MAXIMIZE; SPELLING (1).
