WordGarden.iomajor
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈeɪdʒə/
US
- /ˈmeɪdʒər/
Meanings
Adjective
very important, serious, or significant
greater or larger in degree, amount, or extent
relating to the major scale, key, or chord system in music
Noun
a student's main subject or field of study in college or university
a military officer rank above captain and below lieutenant colonel
the major mode or a key based on it
Beyond the definition
"Major" is a word that carries weight. Most often, it describes something important, large, or serious. A major decision can change the course of your life, like choosing a career path, and a major breakthrough can move things forward in a big way. It often points to the main thing, not something small or secondary. In education, it also means your main subject of study, as in majoring in history or biology. Whether it describes an event, a problem, or your field in college, "major" suggests something important and central rather than minor.
The word "major" has several related meanings, and they all point to something important, central, or large in scale. Most often, it is an adjective. A major problem needs serious attention, and a major achievement is something worth celebrating. In this sense, it is often the opposite of "minor."
The word is also common in academic life. As a noun, your major is your main area of study in college or university. As a verb, you can say that you major in a subject such as engineering, art, or history.
"Major" also appears in the military. A major is an officer rank in many armed forces, usually above captain and below lieutenant colonel.
In music, "major" describes a key, scale, or chord that often sounds bright, open, or cheerful compared with a minor one. Across daily life, education, the military, and music, the word consistently points to something important, main, or notable.
Examples
- 1
Serious problem
This is a major problem for small restaurants.
- 2
Business change
The company announced a major change to its pricing.
- 3
Important role
She played a major role in the peace talks.
- 4
Large city
We stopped in a major city before driving into the mountains.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Medical treatment
He had major surgery last year, but he has recovered well.
- 6
University subject
At university, Maya decided to major in psychology.
- Patternmajor in + subject
study it as your main subject
- 7
University student
Her brother is a history major.
- Patternsubject major
a student whose main subject is that subject
- 8
Military rank
My uncle retired as a major in the army.
- 9
Music key
The song is written in C major, so it sounds bright and open.
- Domainin music, C major
a common musical key
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- major problem
- major role
- major factor
- major change
Word family
- majority
- majorly
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- majornounverbadjective
Forms
- majorspluralnounverbadjective
- majoring-ing formverbnounadjective
- majoredpast tenseverbnounadjective