Major
/ˈmeɪdʒər/
Definitions
4 meaningsOf greater importance, seriousness, or significance.
/ˈmeɪdʒər/
Greater in importance, size, or seriousness
The major cause of the accident was driver error.
💡 Simply: When something is major, it's really important or big. Like, if you're having a major birthday, it's a really special one!
👶 For kids: When something is major, it means it is super important or a big deal!
More Examples
She suffered a major setback in her career.
We need to address the major issues first.
How It's Used
"The major problem facing the company is the decline in sales."
"A major crime is considered to be a serious offense."
Denoting or belonging to the larger of the two key systems.
/ˈmeɪdʒər/
Relating to the larger of the two key systems
She played a beautiful melody in a major key.
💡 Simply: In music, a major key sounds happier than a minor key. Imagine a sunny day compared to a cloudy one.
👶 For kids: In music, major keys are happy and sound bright!
More Examples
The song has a cheerful feel because it's in major key.
How It's Used
"The piece is written in the key of C major."
A subject or academic discipline in which a student concentrates.
/ˈmeɪdʒər/
A subject of study at a college or university.
She decided to major in biology.
💡 Simply: When you're in college, a major is the main subject you're studying. Like, if you love computers, you might major in computer science.
👶 For kids: In school, your major is the main subject you study to learn more about it!
More Examples
What is your major?
He switched his major from engineering to physics.
How It's Used
"He is a history major."
A commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps, ranking above a captain and below a lieutenant colonel.
/ˈmeɪdʒər/
An officer in the military.
The major led the troops into battle.
💡 Simply: In the army, a major is a person with an important rank, like a boss.
👶 For kids: In the army, a major is a leader who tells people what to do!
More Examples
He was promoted to the rank of major.
The major commanded the unit with authority.
How It's Used
"The major gave the order to advance."
Synonyms
Critical
Important
Large
Bright
Cheerful
Happy
Concentration
Idioms & expressions
major in
To specialize in a particular subject at a college or university.
"She's planning to major in English."
major league
The highest level of professional sports, especially baseball.
"He hopes to play in the major leagues one day."
From Latin *major* (meaning 'greater, bigger'), comparative form of *magnus* ('great'). Evolved to describe a military rank, a subject of study, and a degree of importance.
Originally from the Latin *major*, its usage has evolved from describing something larger to denoting rank in the military and specialization in academia.