Dictionary monolingual
English
Major
ˈmeɪdʒər
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Major -
main or most important
Example: Her major concern is the safety of her children.
Usage: formalContext: academic, professional
Note: Used to indicate something of primary importance or significance.
a subject of study chosen as a specialization
Example: She is majoring in Biology at university.
Usage: formalContext: academic
Note: Commonly used in the context of higher education to denote a specific area of focus.
a military rank above captain and below lieutenant colonel
Example: He was promoted to the rank of Major last year.
Usage: formalContext: military
Note: Refers to a specific rank in the armed forces.
a large or important company
Example: She works for a major tech company in Silicon Valley.
Usage: formalContext: business
Note: Used to describe significant or influential companies in various industries.
music: a scale or mode having notes separated by whole steps except for the third and fourth and seventh and eighth
Example: The major scale is commonly used in Western music.
Usage: formalContext: music theory
Note: Specifically refers to a type of musical scale.
Major's synonyms
majority
Majority refers to the greater part or number; the greater number of something.
Example: The majority of students preferred the new schedule.
Note: While 'major' can indicate importance or significance, 'majority' specifically refers to the larger part or number of a group.
significant
Significant means important, notable, or having a major effect.
Example: The findings of the study had a significant impact on the industry.
Note: While 'major' can refer to something of great importance, 'significant' emphasizes the importance or impact of something.
main
Main refers to the primary or most important aspect of something.
Example: The main reason for the delay was the bad weather.
Note: Similar to 'major,' 'main' also denotes importance but focuses on the primary aspect or element of a situation.
principal
Principal means primary, foremost, or most important.
Example: The principal reason for the project's failure was poor planning.
Note: While 'major' can refer to something significant, 'principal' specifically highlights the primary or most important reason or factor.
Major expressions, common phrases
majority of
Refers to more than half or the greater part of a group.
Example: The majority of students preferred the new schedule.
Note: The term 'majority' emphasizes the larger portion of a group.
major setback
Significant or substantial obstacle or hindrance.
Example: Losing the key player was a major setback for the team.
Note: In this context, 'major' indicates the seriousness or impact of the setback.
major player
Someone who has a significant influence or importance in a particular field.
Example: She is considered a major player in the fashion industry.
Note: The term 'player' here refers to a participant or influencer, and 'major' emphasizes their prominence.
major key
An important or essential factor that contributes to success.
Example: Maintaining good communication is a major key to a successful relationship.
Note: In this phrase, 'key' is used metaphorically to represent a crucial element.
major league
The highest level of competition or achievement in a particular field.
Example: He finally made it to the major leagues in baseball.
Note: The term 'league' refers to a category of competition, and 'major' denotes the highest level within that category.
major in
To choose a specific subject as the main focus of one's academic studies.
Example: She decided to major in psychology in college.
Note: In academic contexts, 'major' is used to indicate the primary area of study.
majority rule
The principle that decisions are determined by the preference of the greater number.
Example: In a democracy, decisions are often made based on majority rule.
Note: This phrase highlights the concept of decision-making based on the preference of the larger group.
Major everyday (slang) expressions
major
Here, 'major' is used as an intensifier to emphasize the greatness or significance of something. It is commonly used in informal spoken language to express excitement or positivity.
Example: That concert was majorly awesome!
Note: In this slang usage, 'major' does not refer to academic majors or importance in the same way as in formal contexts.
majorly
'Majorly' is an adverb used informally to emphasize the extent or seriousness of an action or situation. It indicates a significant or pronounced effect.
Example: She majorly messed up the project presentation.
Note: 'Majorly' is a colloquial adverb commonly used in casual conversation, different from 'major' in its function as an intensifier of an action rather than a descriptor of something being notable.
major vibes
The phrase 'major vibes' refers to the strong emotional or atmospheric feelings emanating from a situation or setting. It signifies the overall energy or aura of a place or event.
Example: This party is giving off major chill vibes.
Note: Unlike focusing on the magnitude of size or importance, 'major vibes' relates to the general sense of mood or ambiance projected by a particular environment or event.
major bummer
Used informally to express disappointment or sadness about a negative situation or outcome. 'Bummer' is slang for something disappointing or upsetting.
Example: It's a major bummer that the concert got canceled.
Note: 'Major bummer' combines 'major' as an intensifier with 'bummer' to emphasize the scale of disappointment, creating a more impactful expression than just 'bummer' alone.
major hangry
A blend of 'hungry' and 'angry', 'hangry' describes the irritable or bad-tempered feeling that can arise due to hunger. Adding 'major' intensifies the degree of hunger-induced frustration.
Example: I'm feeling major hangry right now.
Note: By incorporating 'major', the phrase emphasizes the severity of the feeling of being hungry and irritable, making it more intense than just being 'hangry'.
major deal
In informal contexts, 'major deal' is used to describe an issue or situation that has become more significant than expected. It suggests that something relatively minor has escalated in importance or concern.
Example: I forgot to pick up milk, and now it's a major deal.
Note: Contrasting with a straightforward problem or matter, 'major deal' implies a heightened sense of importance or impact given to a situation that might seem trivial to others. Adding 'major' increases the perceived significance of the matter.
major drama
Refers to exaggerated or intense emotional conflicts, controversies, or sensational events occurring within a social group or community. 'Drama' typically involves tension, gossip, or conflicts.
Example: These reality TV shows always have so much major drama.
Note: By combining 'major' with 'drama', the slang term emphasizes a significant level of intense or noteworthy interpersonal conflicts or situations, often used in a gossip or entertainment context.
Major - Examples
Major changes are needed in order to improve the situation.
The major problem with this plan is the lack of funding.
He is a major player in the industry.
Major grammar
Major - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: major
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): major
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): majors
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): major
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): majored
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): majoring
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): majors
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): major
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): major
Syllables, Separation and Stress
major Contains 2 syllables: ma • jor
Phonetic transcription: ˈmā-jər
ma jor , ˈmā jər (The red syllable is stressed)
Major - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
major: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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