What is major? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of major

majoradjective

lớn, nhiều hơn, trọng đại, chủ yếu

/ˈmeɪdʒə/

Definition & pronunciation of <b>major</b>

Where does the word major come from?

The word "major" has its roots in Latin. The Latin term "major" means "greater" or "larger". It was used as an adjective to describe something or someone that is superior in size, importance, or degree. The Latin "major" is also the Latin word for "warrior" or "soldier", which led to the development of the term "major" in the context of the Roman military. In the 14th century, the term "major" was adopted into Middle English from Old French, where it referred to a senior officer of the military. Over time, the term "major" has taken on various meanings, including a unit of measurement (e.g., "major scale"), a level of achievement (e.g., "major award"), and a title of academic distinction (e.g., "majorSTREAM"). Despite its evolution, the core meaning of "major" remains connected to the idea of something being greater or of higher importance.

Vocabulary summary major

typenoun

meaning(military) major (army)

exampleto major in history: major in history; choose a major in history; pass with high marks in history

typenoun

meaning(US, American slang) a boy of majority (21 years old)

exampleto major in history: major in history; choose a major in history; pass with high marks in history

meaningtopic (of a student)

exampleSmith major: Brother Xmit, Big Xmit

meaninga person of higher status (in a certain field)

Example of vocabulary majornamespace

meaning

very large or important

  • a major road
  • Some major international companies refused to do business with them.
  • He played a major role in setting up the system.
  • major sporting events
  • a major issue/factor/project/challenge
meaning

serious

  • Never mind—it's not major.
meaning

based on a scale (= a series of eight notes) in which the third note is two whole tones / steps higher than the first note

  • the key of D major
  • the eight notes of the major scale
meaning

related to somebody’s main subject of study in college


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