major1 adjectivemajor2 nounmajor3 verb
majorma‧jor1 /ˈmeɪdʒə $ -ər/ ●●● S1 W1 AWL adjective 
WORD ORIGINmajor1
Origin:
1200-1300 Latin ‘larger, greater’, from magnus ‘large, great’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- All the world's major sporting events can be seen on HHS TV.
- Confidence is a major part of leadership.
- Gang activity that was limited to major cities has now spilled over to towns and rural areas.
- Heavy traffic is a major problem in most cities.
- I have to go on a major shopping trip before I start this job.
- I thought we agreed to talk to each other before making any major decisions.
- It's the chief executive who makes all the major decisions.
- Most major credit cards are accepted.
- Nuclear weapons are a major obstacle on the road to peace.
- She's had major surgery, but she's doing fine.
- Smoking is a major cause of heart disease.
- Think carefully before you decide on such a major undertaking.
- An experienced producer at a major London agency was recently asked to list them for the benefit of newcomers.
- Another major advantage is the insight it is capable of yielding into the social and communicative norms of the community.
- The dollar rose against a basket of 10 major currencies tracked by Finex, a financial futures exchange.
- The film still had nominees in all other major categories, including acting, directing and writing.
- The Spittal camp was round another major bend of the river, the last one, and not actually in sight.
- Tonight T-I again assured Dowty employees that there would be no major job losses.
- You have to grasp a major point.
THESAURUSmost important
[only before noun] most important: · What was your main aim?· the principal reason for their decision· the chief cause of the recession
[usually before noun] one of the most important or serious things: · Smoking is a major cause of heart disease.· Street crime is a major problem.
[usually before noun] most important – used especially when talking about the main thing that people are discussing, worried about, or trying to do: · Education will be the central issue in the election.· Our primary concern is passenger safety.
formal more important than anything else, so that you must consider it when deciding what to do: · Airport security is of paramount importance.· The needs of the students are paramount.
larger or more important than all the others: · the main entrance of the building· the main reason for his decision
most important. Chief and principal are more formal than main, and are often used in written English: · Coffee is the country’s principal export.· What is the company’s chief objective?
very important or serious: · Smoking is a major cause of heart disease.· Street crime is becoming a major problem.
most important, or the one that everything or everyone else depends on: · Education is likely to be a key issue in the election campaign.· Hooper was a key member of the team.· Diet is key.
especially spoken most important or best – this phrase sounds a little informal and it is used especially in spoken English: · Reliability is the number one priority.· the number one cause of death· He is still in the number one position.
most important – used especially about the most important aim, role, cause, or concern. Primary is more formal than main: · The primary aim of the project was to help students develop their communication skills.· Security is our primary concern.· The primary function of the university was considered to be the teaching of ‘the great cultural disciplines’.
very important or most important – used especially about the most important reason, cause, or aim, or about the most likely target or suspect.Prime is more formal than main: · Their prime objective is to increase profits for their shareholders.· Tourists are prime targets for theft and robbery.
most important – used especially about the things that people should pay most attention to: · the core skills of reading and writing· He wants the company to focus on its core business – advertising.· The party’s core values are individual freedom and reducing the amount of government bureaucracy.
most important and having more influence than anything else: · The U.S. played a central role in the peace negotiations.· a central theme of the book· The central question is, why are people still so attached to their cars?
most common, typical, or important: · Yellow was the predominant colour everywhere.· High arched windows are a predominant feature in English churches.· New York still has a predominant role in the contemporary art world.·
· a big city· a big guy· a big mistake· Lack of funding is the biggest problem.· Getting a car has made a big difference to my life.
a slightly more formal word than big, used to describe objects and amounts: · a large bowl· Large areas of the forest have been destroyed.· The museum attracts a large number of visitors.
[only before noun] big and important: · Pollution is a major problem.· There has been a major change in government policy.
quite big – used especially about amounts: · They have spent a considerable amount of money on the project.· A substantial amount of heat is lost through the windows.· He had a considerable influence on young musicians.
Longman Language Activatorhaving a big effect · The city has a big problem with drugs.· If you think I'm coming with you, you're making a big mistake.
having a serious and important effect, especially on a lot of people, places, situations etc: · Heavy traffic is a major problem in most cities.· Think carefully before you decide on such a major undertaking.· Nuclear weapons are a major obstacle on the road to peace.
formal having a fairly large or important effect: · The recent slowdown in the US economy is likely to have a considerable impact on the rest of the world.· There was a considerable delay in the processing of our application.
use this to emphasize how much of an effect something has, especially a good effect: · Thanks. You've been a great help.· It would be of great assistance if customers could have the exact money ready.· I have great difficulty in reading without my glasses.
use this to emphasize that something is extremely big, important, or serious: · The city of Detroit has a huge crime problem.· Enormous changes are taking place in the way we communicate with each other.· The difference between living in the country and living in the city is immense.· His contribution to the team's success has been immense.
use this to emphasize how big, important, and often exciting an effect will be: · My new job will be a tremendous challenge.· Your advice has been a tremendous help to us.· It was a tremendous thrill, meeting her in person.
involving a lot of money or effort, or a lot of people or places: · Large-scale development has given new life to the inner city.· We need large-scale investment in the industry's future.on a large scale: · Developing countries will need help on a large scale for many years to come.
something that is important something that is important has a big effect on people's lives and on the way things will happen: · Next Thursday's game is very important - if Italy lose they will be out of the World Cup.· I have an important announcement to make, so please listen carefully.· She didn't realize how important schoolwork was until it was too late.
one of the most important or serious things - use this especially when there is a small number of very important things, but a larger number of less important things: · Smoking is a major cause of heart disease· All the world's major sporting events can be seen on HHS TV.· It's the chief executive who makes all the major decisions.
: big decision/event/occasion/day etc an important decision, event etc, especially one that will influence or affect the rest of your life: · This is a big decision - you'll have to give me time to think.· Graduation Day is one of those big occasions when everyone wants a souvenir photograph.the big day especially spoken (=a very important day in someone's life): · I hear you're getting married - when's the big day?
: key role/factor/issue etc someone or something that has an extremely important effect on the way something develops: · Education is likely to be a key issue in the forthcoming election.· The key person in this project will be the design manager.· He held a key position in the Bush administration.
important enough to be noticed and considered and to make a difference to a situation: · There has been a significant change in people's attitude to the environment.· Winning the award was a significant achievement.· a significant new discovery, which will improve our understanding of the AIDS virus
important: of some/great/major etc importance: · This battle was of great importance.· They suddenly became silent, listening as if what he said was of the greatest importance.of no/not of any importance: · Nothing of any importance was agreed at their meeting.
a historic event, moment etc is remembered as a part of history because it brings important changes that affect a situation for a long time: · the historic moment when Nelson Mandela was released from prison· In his book, Churchill describes that historic first meeting with Roosevelt.
: momentous event/decision/occasion etc something that is very important because it has a very great effect or influence on future events: · At this point William made a momentous decision -- he resigned from his job and joined the army.· The revolution taking place in eastern Europe must be counted as one of the most momentous events of this century.
a time or situation that is critical is extremely important and possibly dangerous because your future will depend on what happens or is decided at that time: · These accusations came at a critical phase in the negotiations.critical for: · The next few months could be critical for the whole mining industry.
an important time or event in someone's life, in history, in the development of knowledge etc, especially one that is the beginning of great improvements: · Getting my first part in a movie was a major landmark in my life.· This new drug is a landmark in the treatment of cancer.
more important than anything else more important than anything else: · Ben's main problem was lack of money.· You should clearly state your main idea at the beginning of the essay.· We walked up the stairs to the main entrance of the building.· The main reason kids don't get vaccinated is that parents don't realize how important it is.
more important than anything else. Chief and principal mean the same as main , but they are used especially in written or formal English: · Coffee is the country's principal export.· Kendall's chief complaint about the opera is that the characters are not historically accurate.· The chief purpose of the march was to draw attention to the poor condition of schools.
one of the most important or serious things - use this especially when there is a small number of really important things, but a larger number of less important things: · Smoking is a major cause of heart disease.· I thought we agreed to talk to each other before making any major decisions.major city (=large and important city): · Gang activity that was limited to major cities has now spilled over to towns and rural areas.
a key person or thing is one that is the most important because everything depends on them: · We don't have much time, so let's concentrate on the key issues.· Transport and communications are key areas of the economy.be key to (doing) something: · Laws are key to maintaining an orderly society.
: primary concern/responsibility/reason/role etc the most important one: · As always, security is our primary concern.· Financial reward is the primary reason most people work.
: prime suspect/target/candidate the one most likely to be chosen: · Tourists are prime targets for theft and robbery. · The FBI regarded him as its prime suspect in the case.· Cheryl is a prime candidate for the new managerial position.
more noticeable, more powerful, or more common than others: · Yellow is the predominant color in most of his paintings.· When we visited the country, our predominant impression was one of poverty and hardship.
use this about the main and most important parts of a subject, activity, plan etc: · We concentrate most on teaching the core skills of reading, writing, and mathematics.· The government will discuss what they say are the core issues of education and health care.
WORD SETSa cappella, adjectiveaccelerando, adjectiveaccompaniment, nounaccompanist, nounaccompany, verbaccordion, nounacid house, nounacoustic, adjectiveadagio, nounallegro, nounandante, adjectiveandante, nounanthem, nounaria, nounarpeggio, nounarr., arrange, verbarrangement, nounatonal, adjectiveback, verbbacking, nounbagpipes, nounbalalaika, nounballad, nounband, nounbandmaster, nounbandsman, nounbandstand, nounbanjo, nounbar, nounbarbershop, nounbaritone, nounbarrel organ, nounbass, nounbass, adjectivebass clef, nounbass guitar, nounbassist, nounbassoon, nounbaton, nounbeat, verbbeat, nounbebop, nounblast, verbblow, verbbluegrass, nounbolero, nounbongos, nounboogie, nounbootleg, nounbow, nounbow, verbbrass band, nounbreve, nounbridge, nounbugle, nounbusk, verbC, nouncabaret, nouncadence, nouncadenza, nouncalypso, nounC & W, canon, nouncantata, nouncanticle, nouncantor, nouncarillon, nouncarol, nouncarol, verbcastanets, nouncatchy, adjectivecellist, nouncello, nounchamber music, nounchamber orchestra, nounchant, verbchant, nounchoir, nounchoirboy, nounchoral, adjectivechorale, nounchord, nounchorister, nounchorus, nounChristmas carol, nounchromatic, adjectiveclapper, nounclarinet, nounclavichord, nounclef, nouncoda, nouncoloratura, nouncombo, nouncompose, verbcomposer, nounconcert, nounconcertgoer, nounconcertina, nounconcertmaster, nounconcerto, nounconduct, verbconductor, nounconsonant, adjectiveconsort, nouncontinuo, nouncontrabass, nouncontralto, nouncor anglais, nouncornet, nouncounterpoint, nouncountertenor, nouncountry and western, nouncountry music, nouncover, verbcover, nouncrescendo, nouncroon, verbcrotchet, nouncut, verbcymbal, nounD, noundamper, noundance, noundance band, noundemo, noundescant, noundidgeridoo, noundiminuendo, noundirge, noundisc jockey, noundiscord, noundiscordant, adjectivedissonance, nounditty, nounDixieland, noundo, noundoh, noundominant, noundouble bass, noundownbeat, noundrum, noundrum, verbdrumbeat, noundrum kit, noundrum major, noundrummer, noundrumming, noundrum-roll, noundrumstick, noundub, nounduet, noundulcimer, nounduo, nounear, nouneasy listening, nouneighth note, nounelevator music, nounencore, interjectionensemble, nounexpression, nounf., fa, nounfalsetto, nounfanfare, nounfantasia, nounfiddle, nounfiddler, nounfife, nounfinale, nounfingering, nounflat, adjectiveflat, nounflat, adverbflautist, nounfloor show, nounflourish, nounflute, nounfolk, nounfolk, adjectivefolk music, nounforte, nounforte, adjectivefortissimo, adjectiveforty-five, nounFrench horn, nounfret, nounfugue, nounfunk, nounfunky, adjectiveg, gamelan, noungig, noungig, verbglee club, nounglide, nounglockenspiel, noungong, noungospel, noungrand, noungrand opera, noungrand piano, nounGregorian chant, noungroup, nounguitar, nounhalf note, nounhalf step, nounhammer, nounhard rock, nounharmonic, adjectiveharmonica, nounharmonium, nounharmonize, verbharmony, nounharp, nounharpsichord, nounheavy metal, nounhigh, adjectivehigh-pitched, adjectivehip hop, nounhorn, nounhot, adjectivehouse music, nounhurdy-gurdy, nounhymn, nounimpressionism, nounimpressionist, nounimprovise, verbincidental music, nouninstrument, nouninstrumental, adjectiveinstrumental, nouninstrumentalist, nouninstrumentation, nouninterlude, nouninterval, nounjam, verbjam session, nounjazz, nounjazzy, adjectivejig, nounjingle, nounjungle, nounkaraoke, nounkazoo, nounkettledrum, nounkey, nounkeyboard, nounkey signature, nounla, nounlament, nounlargo, adjectiveleader, nounledger line, nounlegato, adjectiveleitmotif, nounlento, adjectivelibrettist, nounlibretto, nounlilt, nounlullaby, nounlute, nounlyre, nounlyric, adjectivelyrical, adjectivelyricism, nounlyricist, nounmadrigal, nounmaestro, nounmajor, adjectivemale-voice choir, nounmandolin, nounmaracas, nounmarch, nounmarching band, nounmariachi, nounmarimba, nounmasterclass, nounmedley, nounmellifluous, adjectivemelodic, adjectivemelodious, adjectivemelody, nounmetronome, nounmezzo-soprano, nounmi, nounmiddle C, nounminim, nounminor, adjectiveminstrel, nounminuet, nounmodal, adjectivemode, nounmoderato, adjectivemodulate, verbmolto, adverbmood music, nounmotif, nounmouth organ, nounmouthpiece, nounmovement, nounmusic, nounmusical, adjectivemusical, nounmusical instrument, nounmusically, adverbmusician, nounmusicianship, nounmusicology, nounmusic stand, nounmute, verbmute, nounMuzak, nounnational anthem, nounnatural, adjectivenatural, nounNegro spiritual, nounnocturne, nounnote, nounnumber, nounnumber one, nounnursery rhyme, nounoboe, nounoctave, nounoctet, nounoff-key, adjectiveone-man band, nounopera, nounopera house, nounoperetta, nounopus, nounoratorio, nounorchestra, nounorchestral, adjectiveorchestra pit, nounorchestrate, verborgan, nounorgan grinder, nounorganist, nounovertone, nounoverture, nounp., panpipes, nounpart, nounpart-song, nounpause, nounpeal, verbpedal, nounpeg, nounpenny whistle, nounpercussion, nounperfect pitch, nounPhilharmonic, adjectivephrase, nounphrase, verbphrasing, nounpianissimo, adjectivepianist, nounpiano, nounpiano, adjectivepianola, nounpiccolo, nounpick, verbpick, nounpipe, verbpiped music, nounpiper, nounpitch, nounpitch, verbpizzicato, nounplainchant, nounplainsong, nounplay, verbplayer, nounplayer piano, nounplectrum, nounpluck, verbpolyphony, nounpop, nounpop group, nounpop music, nounpop star, nounprelude, nounpresto, adjectivepresto, nounprima donna, nounproduction number, nounpromenade concert, nounpsaltery, nounpunk, nounquarter note, nounquartet, nounquaver, nounquintet, nounR & B, nounrag, nounraga, nounragga, nounragtime, nounrange, nounrap, nounrap, verbrapper, nounrecital, nounrecitative, nounrecord, nounrecorder, nounreed, nounrefrain, nounreggae, nounregister, nounremaster, verbrendering, nounrendition, nounrepeat, nounrequest, nounrequiem, nounresonator, nounrest, nounrhapsody, nounrhythm, nounrhythm and blues, nounrhythm section, nounriff, nounroadie, nounroad manager, nounrock, nounrock and roll, nounrock music, nounrock 'n' roll, nounrondo, nounrostrum, nounround, nounrumba, nounrun, nounsalsa, nounsamba, nounsaxophone, nounsaxophonist, nounscale, nounscat, nounscherzo, nounscore, nounscore, verbsemibreve, nounsemiquaver, nounsemitone, nounseptet, nounserenade, nounserenade, verbset, nounsetting, nounsextet, nounshanty, nounsharp, adverbsharp, nounsheet music, nounsight-read, verbsignature tune, nounsing, verbsinger, nounsinger-songwriter, nounsingle, nounsitar, nounsixteenth note, nounska, nounskiffle, nounslide, nounslur, verbslur, nounsnare drum, nounso, nounsol, nounsol-fa, nounsolo, adjectivesolo, nounsoloist, nounsonata, nounsong, nounsongbook, nounsongster, nounsongwriter, nounsoprano, nounsoprano, adjectivesoul, nounsoundtrack, nounspiritual, nounsqueezebox, nounstaccato, adverbstaff, nounstandard, nounStar-Spangled Banner, the, stave, nounsteel band, nounsteel guitar, nounstep, nounstring, verbstringed instrument, nounstrum, verbstudy, nounsuite, nounswell, nounswing, nounsymphony, nounsyncopated, adjectivesyncopation, nounsynthesis, nounsynthesize, verbsynthesizer, nountabla, nountabor, nountambourine, nountechno, nountempo, nountenor, nountenor, adjectiveTex-Mex, adjectivetheme, nounthrash, nounthrenody, nounthrob, verbti, nountimbrel, nountime, nountime signature, nountimpani, nountoccata, nountom-tom, nountonal, adjectivetonality, nountone, nountone-deaf, adjectivetone poem, nountonic, nountootle, verbtrack, nountranscribe, verbtranspose, verbtreble, nountreble, adjectivetreble clef, nountremolo, nountriangle, nountrill, nountrombone, nountrumpet, nountuba, nountune, nountune, verbtuneful, adjectivetuneless, adjectivetuning fork, nountuning peg, nounukulele, noununaccompanied, adjectiveupright piano, nounvalve, nounvariation, nounverse, nounvibes, nounvibraphone, nounvibrato, nounviola, nounviolin, nounviolinist, nounvirginals, nounvirtuoso, nounvivace, adjectivevocal, adjectivevocal, nounvocalist, nounvoice, nounvoluntary, nounwaltz, nounwarble, verbwarbler, nounwhole note, nounwind instrument, nounwoodwind, nounxylophone, nounyodel, verbyodel, nounzither, nounzydeco, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
Britain played a major role in the negotiations.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES It was a major accomplishment for a player who had been injured so recently. a major advance The King’s Arms pub is to undergo extensive alterations. Exercise is one of the key components of a healthy lifestyle. Japan is a leading exporter of textiles. a slight flaw in the glass Your failing to note her mistakes is a serious omission. a firm that is a dominant player on Wall Street Some knowledge of Spanish is a definite plus in this job. a list of Canada’s worst polluters Dr George is one of the leading proponents of this view. the major restructuring of our armed forces The government has made great strides in reducing poverty. Moving house is a major upheaval.
Britain played a major role in the negotiations.· News is coming in of a major rail accident.
It was a major accomplishment for a player who had been injured so recently.· Writing the book was a major achievement.
a major advance The King’s Arms pub is to undergo extensive alterations.· The ducks and geese are a big attraction to children.
· The restaurant has won several top awards.· Their design won a major award at a Paris exhibition.
· The new system will be a great benefit to the company.
· The earthquake was a serious blow to the area’s tourism industry.
· Einstein believed he was on the verge of a big breakthrough.
· a major category of vehicle· Theft is one of the major categories of crime.
· In this country, debt is a major cause of homelessness.· Drug abuse is the leading cause of crime and violence.
· The region has been named as a major centre of international terrorism.
· It is one of Europe’s biggest clothing chains.
· Building the tunnel presented a major challenge to engineers.
· Going to a new school is a big change for children.
· They have stores in Houston, Dallas, and other big cities.
(=an important one)· Some of our major clients have not taken the news of the merger well.
· Japan soon became a major competitor in the electronics industry.
Exercise is one of the key components of a healthy lifestyle.· We made some major concessions in order to protect national security.
· In Egypt, the shortage of land and water is a major constraint on agriculture.
· Tourism makes a major contribution to the local economy.
· That decision was the second major controversy of the prime minister's career.
· Our farming industry has been hit by a serious crisis.
(=who is important and buys a lot)· America is a big customer for Japanese goods.
(=very important)· The government now has some major decisions to make.
(=very serious)· They have found a major defect in the program.
· I think you’ll notice a big difference.
· By then, we were having serious financial difficulties.
· This method has one major disadvantage: its cost.
· The archaeologists had made an important discovery.
(=very big)· If a major earthquake hits a large city, millions could die.
· The teachers’ strike had a big effect on many schools.
(=very important)· Private study is a major element of the students’ timetable.
(=severe and important)· This episode has been a serious embarrassment for the club.
(=a dangerous situation that affects a large number of people)· In a major emergency, the national guard may be called in.
(=important)· Getting married is a major event in anyone’s life.
(=very important)· The major exception to the general downturn, the tourism sector, has actually seen an increase in profits.
(=large and important)· His work is the subject of a major exhibition at the National Gallery.
(=large and important)· The company is planning a major expansion of its retail outlets.
formal· We are getting reports of a major explosion at the oil refinery.
· Agricultural products are the country’s principal exports.
Japan is a leading exporter of textiles. (=the most or least important of several factors)· The country’s huge mineral reserves are a major factor behind its economic strength.
· A big fire was raging at the fuel depot.
a slight flaw in the glass· Lead pipes are a serious hazard to health.
(=important)· The war had a major impact on French domestic politics.
(=very important or serious)· The lack of affordable housing has major implications for families living in rural areas.
(=very big)· The new computer system was a vast improvement.
(=very serious)· The most recent major incident was an explosion at an oil refinery.
· Agriculture is still a major industry in Scotland.
· Parents have an important influence on children's development.· He was a major influence on my musical tastes.
· Developing a new computer system is always a big investment for any organisation.
(=very important)· For me, the big issue is cost.
(=an important one)· From Parliament Hill, you can see most of London's major landmarks.
· They made major modifications to the house to allow him to use his wheelchair.
· Two of Britain's major motorways pass through Nottingham.
· There were serious objections to using the videotaped evidence at the trial.
· Debt is a major obstacle to economic growth.· There are serious obstacles to obtaining sufficient funding.
Your failing to note her mistakes is a serious omission.· The unit cares for patients recovering from major operations.
a firm that is a dominant player on Wall Street Some knowledge of Spanish is a definite plus in this job. a list of Canada’s worst polluters· The city became a major port.
(=very large)· He owns a substantial portion of the company.
(=very important one)· There will be representatives from all the world's major powers at the conference.
· The school’s biggest problem is a shortage of cash.
· Lifting things carelessly can lead to serious back problems.
· A major programme of modernisation is transforming public transport in London.
· The company is funding a major research project into the causes of addiction.
Dr George is one of the leading proponents of this view. (also a big reason informal)· His personality was a major reason for his success.· A big reason for the decrease in smoking is the ban on cigarette advertising.
· He called for a major reform of the drug laws.
(=a big one)· The car didn't need to have any major repairs done.
(=serious or important)· We have major reservations about his ability to do the job.
the major restructuring of our armed forces· We are conducting a major review of our procedures.
· The jail was hit by a serious riot last year.
· She played an important role in her husband’s political career.
· It was his first major role.
· The president was forced to resign following a major scandal.
· The government is introducing a major house-building scheme in the area.
· Losing our key player would be a major setback for the team.
· There has recently been a big shift in the way people are accessing information.
· The lead mines were once a major source of employment for the islanders.
(=very important)· This was her first major speech as party leader.
· The move is seen as a major step forward for UK firms.
The government has made great strides in reducing poverty. (=one that has very bad effects)· Her brother has just died of a massive stroke.
· The government claimed the policy was a major success.
· He will require major surgery to remove the lump.· The president will undergo minor surgery today to remove a small growth from his finger.
· Cultural change is the second major theme of his work.
· Bad air quality poses a serious threat to public health.
· It is one of the UK’s biggest retailers with shops in every major town.
Moving house is a major upheaval.· He said the court’s decision was a great victory.
· Traffic congestion is not yet a major worry in the area.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· Another major advantage is the insight it is capable of yielding into the social and communicative norms of the community.· One major advantage the development partnership had was the perception of Zeckendorf as different from other potential landlords.· A major advantage of both MID-TEL and MID-CRED is that neither system requires customers to install expensive computer equipment.· This production flaunts a major advantage the National has over traditional West End theaters, with their proscenium stages.· A major advantage of a personal pension is that if you change jobs you can take it with you without penalty.· The major advantage of a unitary state is the presence of clear, hierarchical authority.· Another major advantage is the detailed notes for technicians relating to each of the activities.· There are four major advantages to adopting this approach.
· Construction faults, equipment failure and inadequate training of staff were given as the major causes of incidents.· Some officials relied on the evidence of headmen; others believed that the intrigues of headmen were a major cause of crime.· One major cause of the current correction, many analysts and tech executives say, resides on Wall Street.· Conclusions Cigarette smoking is a major cause of arterial disease, whether of the heart, brain or legs.· The inability to control this growth is a major cause of business failures.· Myocardial infarction and stroke, two of the major causes of death in the elderly, are hardly mentioned in these series.· Some historians consider lead poisoning a major cause of the fall of the Roman Empire.
· Their bafflement is increased when they find such major changes made.· What major change was permitted on beer labels in 1995? 10.· In all these cases, war was the result of major changes in the development of societies.· The last chapter returns to the formula issue and the major changes proposed in the Brookings study.· However, it is unlikely that any major changes will be made.· In the United States unemployment insurance, accident compensation and public assistance underwent no major changes.· The review drew criticism as overly secretive, especially as it became clear that Rumsfeld was contemplating major change.
· Yorick had wanted the Hammersmith Odeon for his comeback concert, followed by a nationwide tour of Britain's major cities.· In 1967, the nation was traumatized by race riots in a number of major cities.· Riots were increasing over the capital, and communications had been broken with the other two major cities of Nicaea.· Every province, every major city, has offices in Hong Kong.· However, the groups are poorly financed, too few in number, and only found in major cities.· In quest of mass circulation and advertising support, the major city newspapers gradually developed a tradition of political and journalistic independence.· It looks at the north-south divide, and at the shift of jobs out of major cities.· No doubt there are many humorous possibilities in the comic plight of a primitive boy in a modern major city.
· Table 8.3 lists the major companies supplying sports clothing and footwear.· They had agreed to help distribute products for some major companies.· The major companies operating in these markets spend huge sums on marketing in order to promote their products globally.· Future increases of that magnitude are doubtful, though, as major companies such as AT&.· The fall in record sales during the 1980s has damaged the newer sector of the industry more than the major companies.· He had an excellent background in the business, having worked in exactly the same kind of area for a major company.· What is the main reason for local companies' preference for cooperation or partnership with those major companies in the pipeline development?· My inquiries suggest that roughly the same figure applies to all major companies in this country.
· There is no doubt that inheritance is a major component of the problem.· Finch said the major components of the plane are working well.· The two major components of these new managerial powers and responsibilities are financial delegation and staffing delegation.· Such plants already have the major components of the coal handling equipment available for use.· It is especially prized because carbon, its major component, is by far the most important of all plant nutrients.· Many gay men today cringe at the thought that this was a major component of the sexuality of our precursors.· Ceramides - a major component of lipids.· They are all fairly similar and usually use good vinegar and wine as major components.
· The other major concern of every caterer is cost-effectiveness.· Her major concern is how she will succeed at making sure the people on the teams get along with one another.· Are its major concerns diagnosis and prescription, as in medicine?· The translation of bifocal vision to design upon a canvas was a major concern of Cézanne.· Crime recently topped the Field Poll among major concerns of California voters.· That inevitably makes censorship, of whatever sort of material and in whatever environment, a matter of major concern.· One of their major concerns was the slump in wool prices.
· He has made a major contribution to public understanding of science through his books, lectures and broadcasts and through the Exploratory.· Another major contribution was simply continuity.· His book is a major contribution to that end.· But his major contribution to the corporate life of the city was his work for the relief of the poor.· The next major contribution to the field was made at the Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh in 1957.· He then made a major contribution to the development of the internal combustion engine, originating the use of aluminium for pistons.· Another major contribution by Newton was of course his law of gravitation.· His first major contribution came in the field of meteor-observing in the 1930s.
· A major decision would have to be taken on whether to include financial reporting as well as auditing.· Earlier in chapter 2 we saw the major decisions that the students in the Foxfire program are expected to make.· At another level, there is the question of who should determine major decisions which affect local communities.· Everyone is involved in major decisions affecting the plant.· Control of all major decisions must be returned to the unions.· But in the mutable world of the modern organization, major decisions are seldom made solely on the basis of hard facts.· They might only be minor, but to the person you're talking to it's a major decision.· These are not encouraging recommendations for expanding the role of public opinion in major decision making about affairs of state.
· The major differences in rift characteristics relate to their position with respect to plate boundaries and the intensity of volcanic activity associated with them.· Several bills have been advanced, and major differences are emerging.· The major difference between theorem proving and other forms of monotonic search is just the choice of basic operators.· There are major differences on time limits, work requirements, exemptions, and general assistance payments.· He suggested that there are three major differences between representational and sensorimotor behavior.· What major difference is there between the Yorkshire and Lancashire coalfields?· There were also major differences in the two trials.
· The opening of a nuclear construction site is a major event in the economic and social life of a region.· Denver has been seen at many major events in the Monterey area.· Hospital closures are major events in the lives of many users.· Please ensure you include all major events and the names of sponsors where they appear in the name of the event.· It is hoped Destination Darlington will have a guide to some of the major events happening in the town throughout the year.
· The Soviet situation was seen as a major factor in impelling the two countries to seek their current reconciliation.· The physical strength of these bodies is a major factor in determining how hazardous they are.· A major factor here is that pupils enjoy finding information.· But a major factor is that many baby boomers are moving into their peak earning years, according to Sheehan.· Undoubtedly a major factor here is the 5ins longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks.· However, convincing evidence shows that lack of education has faded as a major factor.· Another major factor in the apparent reduction of the parties' role here is the effect of television on campaigning.· Does not that show that public co-operation and awareness are major factors in reducing crime in our cities?
· It will have a major impact on many areas of business life.· The digital switches industry has a major impact on the I-way.· Third, the major impact of disability on older people must be recognised within the social security system.· Privacy advocates called it the most sweeping privacy law in decades and said it would have a major impact on health care.· The proper handling of these expectations will have a major impact on the overall success of the company following the acquisition.· The effort potentially could have a major impact on apparel industry working conditions worldwide.· The housing slump has also had a major impact on removal firms.· Most occupational and organizational groups recognize that the decisions of the political system sometimes have major impacts on their own interests.
· Continuing growth has meant that as investors, insurance companies and pension funds represent a major influence in the assets markets.· She had been a major influence in my life, and helped me through the rough patches.· There appear to have been two major influences behind the modification of the classic pacta tertiis rule.· For example, post-puberty is the time when peer group friendships may take over from parents as the major influence.· The second major influence on investment demand is age.· His other major influence was to be his wife, the literary critic and translator Farzaneh Taheri.· When we got to Turnberry we found the rough was going to be a major influence on the tournament.
· Does the political leadership act with unanimity on all major issues? 2.· Technology transfer was also recognized as a major issue.· The Toronto Stock Exchange index of 300 major issues ended the year at 4713, up 12 %.· As Chapter 17 argues, it is a major issue of public policy.· Whether Proposition 140 imposes a lifetime ban was a major issue discussed by the state Supreme Court in 1991.· Little problems, to do with timetabling or prescribed reading or marking, can boil up into major issues.· Something that will help the jury to decide one of the major issues in this case.
· She had other business to cover, major league business.· Tuttle and Garagiola visit major league clubhouses, telling the story, and they have achieved some results.· Apparently, one black player in the major leagues was worth the humiliation.· This is a much more predictable menace, however, at least to those in major league baseball.· Nowadays, you know, a full set includes a card for every player in the major leagues.· But his message was clear: Television amounted to little more than the minors, compared with the major leagues of movies.· Learning from Schmidt: For 10 years, Dave Schmidt pitched in the major leagues.· Davis had all the skills to make it in the major leagues.
· A major obstacle to understanding is the use of technical jargon which is unintelligible to the buyer.· Another major obstacle is the fair circuit and its impact on the higher quality stables.· The difference in regional house prices acts as a major obstacle to mobility of labour.· There still are major obstacles ahead, such as trips to Georgetown and Villanova.· While we agree with this, we would add another major obstacle, namely problems of definition of the object of study.· The lack of money could also be a major obstacle.· The only major obstacle remaining, mutual recognition, has clinched the deal.· Is there not, furthermore, a major obstacle in the question of language?
· It was, as has often been observed, a safe prediction that major operations would not take place in midwinter.· In Venice it was a major operation, masterminded in this case by Michelato.· A hysterectomy is a major operation with a long recovery period.· And Nils was planning a major operation on our engine.· The Chief Constable was also asked to launch a major operation in Wirral to crack down on suppliers.· The 7100 chip architecture itself features 32-bit instructions, 64 major operation codes and 140 machine instructions.· Despite the peaceful outcome it had been a major operation.· A week ago she had a hysterectomy; a major operation that will take weeks, maybe months, to recover from.
· It follows that the duty can not be expected to play a major part in controlling managerialist tendencies.· He wants to see grade-separated interchanges, and not freeways, become a major part of the congestion solution.· No doubt the laying of the artificial grass pitch at Newry played a major part in getting their fixtures cleared up early.· Anti-smoking activists are especially displeased that tobacco money will be playing a major part in the conventions.· But a major part of the work is the creation of production facilities to treble capacity to around 10,000 cars a year.· Sport and the coverage of sport on television is a major part of the everyday life of the television audience.· Gradually you should be able to phase out the tangible reinforcers when tantrums are no longer a major part of her repertoire.· The major part of the flight from Nairobi was uneventful and the weather was good, if a little hazy, at Lusaka.
· The limits within which committees may modify government proposals are fixed by the major parties.· Only 448 people switched to one of the major parties.· Its two major parties scarcely deserve to be called political.· Political consistency, however, has never been mandatory in either major party.· Both major parties were seriously worried by the situation.· Westbrook has been a major party contributor, and he chaired the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee from 1993-1994.· All the major parties in the province can name members who have been murdered, attacked or intimidated.· The study covered soft money gifts to the national, House and Senate committees of each major party.
· The Palatinate was a major player in the war which was both political and religious with alignments changing as events developed.· Three of the six were major players.· Heavy investment and brand support is promised by all the major players this year.· To their surprise, many then become major players within their academic settings.· The threat of a price war led to plunging shares for all the major players in the market.· This is a man who has decided to be a major player in the city.· The Bank is a major player in the sterling money market, buying and selling Treasury bills on a daily basis.· He eventually sold these rights for a six-figure sum to a major player in the software market.
· Another major problem can arise in house price differentials.· This was spotty and not a major problem.· One of the major problems with electric vehicles has been the lack of a battery with a high power-to-weight ratio.· Unemployment, however, is not a major problem on the reservation.· However, it is in reading that the major problem of achievement lies.· The only major problem is the time I spend away from the family.· But the Church is facing major problems.· The major problem of public broadcasting so far has not been too much government meddling but too little financial support.
· This is the major reason for the extremely low cost of the country's gasifiers.· The forfeiture of self-created lobbies is perhaps the major reason for political inaction.· The major reason is that ideas in politics are not just academic.· There is one major reason for this: The governors are far more popular than congressional Republicans.· He had no doubt that a major reason was drink or, sometimes, gambling.· The high cost of such construction sites is a major reason no one else builds zeppelins these days.· This is another major reason for the inadequate views of doubt among Christians.
· Class interests are often regarded as playing a major role in the way political institutions develop.· These figures in turn played a major role in securing the support of Sen.· I hope that next time we will have a woman in a major role.· This astonishing discovery of polar ice on Mercury makes it clear that impacts play a major role on all the terrestrial planets.· Therefore, cell volume regulatory mechanisms might also play a major role in balancing ion fluxes across the two membranes.· Instead, Merrill has played a major role in urging more and stronger attack ads, according to campaign officials.· This will continue to provide a major role for the profession in the conduct of life assurance and pensions business.· Gorbachev also was quick to admit that the process of globalization played a major role in cracking open the closed Soviet society.
· The issue of Dissent survived as a major source of conflict.· These products have been a major source of latex irritation for health-care workers.· The relationship between Pauline and Chloe then became a major source of conflict in the marriage.· But as we have seen, failures and mistakes are major sources of vital experience.· Recruitment was a major source of anxiety following Boer War revelations about the high rate of recruits rejected on grounds of ill-health.· Drillholes for oil and other resource exploration are major sources of information for geologists.· Thus, for example, one of the major sources of income of elderly people is the occupational pension.· Both Aristotle and Plato, our major sources of information about the golden age of Athenian democracy, were deeply critical.
· Silicone lubricant enhances recovery of nucleic acids after phenol-chloroform extraction Phenol-chloroform extraction is a major step in the purification of nucleic acids.· Stereotactic surgery was a major step.· This little volume represents another major step forward in the chronicling of such vehicles.· And they knew that learning was a way out of the trap, a major step toward self-expression.· Franco never took major steps when in doubt.· It represents one of man's great architectural feats and was technically a major step forward.· Analysis of financial statements can be broken down into four major steps.· Later writers would often have us believe that all the major steps were taken very early on.
· A major theme in local government is to control the power of the professional.· Four major themes characterized its approach: 1.· The major theme is a consideration of the interrelationships between various patterns of energy use and possible global warming.· The supple interplay of major themes will furnish it with the exhilarating sense of a mind meticulous but free.· Five major themes can be explored.· Coursework gives a solid conceptual grounding introducing major themes from economics, sociology, history and business management.· But that emerges as a major theme in Battle Of Wits.· It is one of the major themes of Scripture.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1[usually before noun] having very serious or worrying results OPP minor: - But people tend to drink caffeine on a regular basis over long periods of time-often the greater part of a lifetime.
- For the Third World or rather the underdeveloped world these questions have existed for the greater part of this century.
- Her objective was to acquire Transylvania, and she now at once invaded that country and quickly occupied the greater part of it.
- I already had a stitch scar running the greater part of my left leg.
- Many of those who call themselves farmers because they still own land derive the major part of their incomes from non-agricultural occupations.
- No council can hope to sack a large portion of its staff, who take the greater part of its expenditure.
- The filtered beer is tank conditioned, but the greater part of output has a secondary fermentation in the bottle.
- Their discussion comprises the major part of the story, with the Professore arguing the old dialectical materialist line.
There is a major problem with parking in London. The loss of their goalkeeper through injury was a major setback for the team. He underwent major heart surgery recently. It could have sparked a major confrontation.► see thesaurus at important, main2[usually before noun] very large or important, when compared to other things or people of a similar kind OPP minormajor role/part/factor etc Britain played a major role in the negotiations. There are two major political parties in the US. The government’s major concern is with preventing road accidents. Smoking is one of the major causes of cancer. the major developments in computer technology a major road► see thesaurus at big3[not before noun] American English spoken very important: This is major? You got me out of bed for this?4a major key is based on a musical scale in which there are semitones between the third and fourth and the seventh and eighth notes: a symphony in D majormajor1 adjectivemajor2 nounmajor3 verb
majormajor2 ●○○ noun [countable] EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "What was your major?" "Political Science".
- Greg is a philosophy major.
- I'm changing my major to political science.
- All the majors and two of the mini-majors set up production subsidiaries in London.
- He would be going on to college and a major in Romance languages after high school.
- I think it made him think about the majors in a different way.
- One reason: a sharp drop in the number of undergraduate students choosing economics as a major.
- That said, Therapy?'s move from minor to major has reaped well-deserved rewards.
Longman Language Activatora student
someone who is studying at school, university etc: · We would welcome suggestions from both teachers and students.· Student leaders had organized a sit-in to protest against the war.high school/college etc student: · The study found that drug use among high school students is rising.English/engineering/business etc student: · Seventy percent of the university's business students have job offers by graduation.student of: · Wiggins was a student of theology for many years before leaving the seminary.student days (=the time when you were a student): · Mira hadn't seen Brad since their student days at the University of Wisconsin.
especially British a child who studies at a school: · The school has over 700 pupils.· The new law reduces the number of pupils per class in the first four years of schooling.
someone who is learning about a particular subject - used especially by teachers and people talking about the needs of students: · A major aim of education is to improve learners' understanding of the world around them.· At the end of each chapter there is a series of exercises designed to help the learner.
especially British a child who studies at a school: · He was quickly surrounded by schoolgirls asking for his autograph.· Only 10% of British schoolchildren attend private schools.
informal a child who studies at a school: · I was just a schoolkid - I didn't know anything about poetry or literature.· They were standing outside giggling away like a couple of naughty schoolkids.
someone who is studying at a university in order to get their first degree: · They met when they were undergraduates at Cambridge.· The loans, which are based on financial need, are limited to $3000 for undergraduates.
American someone who is studying English, history etc as their main subject at a college or university: · Her boyfriend was a political science major at Berkeley.· I was a biology major in college, but I've forgotten almost everything I learned.
British /graduate student American someone who is studying for a higher degree after their first degree: · About half the graduate students in the program come from overseas.· He has three postgraduates helping him with his research.
a subject that you study at school or university one of the things that you study at school or university, for example English, history, or mathematics: · English was my favourite subject at school.· What subjects are you studying?
American the main subject that you study at university: · "What was your major?" "Political Science".
one of the areas of knowledge such as history, chemistry, economics etc that is studied and taught at a university: · The traditional academic disciplines are less popular among students, who now prefer subjects such as business studies.· a new artificial intelligence project involving researchers from a wide range of disciplines
an area of knowledge that is studied by scientists or by people studying it at a very high level, for example in a university: · These fields boast among the highest professional wages in the nation.in the/his/her etc field: · Cole is the most noted expert in the field.· Webster is a great success in his chosen field.field of work/study/research etc: · What exactly is your field of study?
WORD SETSAA, nounacademia, nounacademic, adjectiveacademic, nounacademy, nounalum, nounalumna, nounalumni, nounalumnus, nounassistant professor, nounAssociate of Arts, nounassociate professor, nounaudit, verbBA, nounbachelor's degree, nounBig Man on Campus, nounblue book, nounbrother, nounBSc, nounbursar, nounbursary, nouncampus, nounCantab, chair, nounchancellery, nounchancellor, nounclass, nouncoed, nouncommencement, nouncommunity college, nounconservatoire, nounconservatory, nounconvocation, nouncourse, nouncredit, nouncum laude, adverbdean, noundean's list, noundiploma, noundissertation, noundoctor, noundoctoral, adjectivedoctorate, nounDoctor of Philosophy, noundon, noundorm, noundormitory, noundouble first, noundown, adverbelective, nounexaminer, nounextension, nounextramural, adjectivefaculty, nounfinancial aid, nounfirst class, noungrad, noungrad school, noungraduate, noungraduate, verbgraduate, adjectivegraduate school, noungraduation, nounGRE, nounGreek, nounhall, nounhall of residence, nounhaze, verbhigher education, nounhomecoming, nounhonor roll, nounhonours degree, nounintercollegiate, adjectiveintramural, adjectiveIvy League, the, adjectivejoint honours, nounjunior college, nounlectureship, nounLLB, nounLLD, nounLLM, nounMA, nounmagna cum laude, adjectivemajor, nounMaster of Arts, nounMaster of Science, nounmaster's, nounmaster's degree, nounmatriculate, verbmature student, nounMBA, nounMEd, nounmedic, nounmedical school, nounMFA, nounmidterm, nounMilitary Academy, nounminor, nounMLitt, nounmortarboard, nounMPhil, nounM.Sc., nounOpen University, the, option, nounoral, nounOxbridge, nounPhD, nounPhi Beta Kappa, nounpledge, nounpledge, verbpoly, nounpolytechnic, nounpost doctoral, adjectivepost-grad, nounpostgraduate, nounpostgraduate, adjectivepractical, nounprof, nounprofessor, nounprofessorial, adjectiveprofessorship, nounProvost, nounqualified, adjectivequarter, nounrag, nounread, verbreadership, nounredbrick, adjectiverush, verbrush, nounsandwich course, nounschool, nounsemester, nounseminar, nounseminary, nounsenate, nounsenior, nounsingle honours, nounsophomore, nounsorority, nounspring break, nounstate university, nounstudent union, nounsubject, nounsumma cum laude, adverbsummer school, nounsurvey course, nounsyllabus, nountech, nountechnical college, nountenure, nountermly, adjectivetertiary education, nountheological college, nounthesis, nounthird, nounthird class, nountutor, nountutorial, nountutorial, adjective2.1, nountwo-two, nounU., undergraduate, noununi, nounUniv., university, nounupperclassman, nounupperclasswoman, nounvac, nounvacation, nounvarsity, nounvice-chancellor, nounvisiting professor, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES It was a major accomplishment for a player who had been injured so recently. a major advance The King’s Arms pub is to undergo extensive alterations. Exercise is one of the key components of a healthy lifestyle. Japan is a leading exporter of textiles. a slight flaw in the glass Your failing to note her mistakes is a serious omission. a firm that is a dominant player on Wall Street Some knowledge of Spanish is a definite plus in this job. a list of Canada’s worst polluters Dr George is one of the leading proponents of this view. the major restructuring of our armed forces The government has made great strides in reducing poverty. Moving house is a major upheaval.
· News is coming in of a major rail accident.
It was a major accomplishment for a player who had been injured so recently.· Writing the book was a major achievement.
a major advance The King’s Arms pub is to undergo extensive alterations.· The ducks and geese are a big attraction to children.
· The restaurant has won several top awards.· Their design won a major award at a Paris exhibition.
· The new system will be a great benefit to the company.
· The earthquake was a serious blow to the area’s tourism industry.
· Einstein believed he was on the verge of a big breakthrough.
· a major category of vehicle· Theft is one of the major categories of crime.
· In this country, debt is a major cause of homelessness.· Drug abuse is the leading cause of crime and violence.
· The region has been named as a major centre of international terrorism.
· It is one of Europe’s biggest clothing chains.
· Building the tunnel presented a major challenge to engineers.
· Going to a new school is a big change for children.
· They have stores in Houston, Dallas, and other big cities.
(=an important one)· Some of our major clients have not taken the news of the merger well.
· Japan soon became a major competitor in the electronics industry.
Exercise is one of the key components of a healthy lifestyle.· We made some major concessions in order to protect national security.
· In Egypt, the shortage of land and water is a major constraint on agriculture.
· Tourism makes a major contribution to the local economy.
· That decision was the second major controversy of the prime minister's career.
· Our farming industry has been hit by a serious crisis.
(=who is important and buys a lot)· America is a big customer for Japanese goods.
(=very important)· The government now has some major decisions to make.
(=very serious)· They have found a major defect in the program.
· I think you’ll notice a big difference.
· By then, we were having serious financial difficulties.
· This method has one major disadvantage: its cost.
· The archaeologists had made an important discovery.
(=very big)· If a major earthquake hits a large city, millions could die.
· The teachers’ strike had a big effect on many schools.
(=very important)· Private study is a major element of the students’ timetable.
(=severe and important)· This episode has been a serious embarrassment for the club.
(=a dangerous situation that affects a large number of people)· In a major emergency, the national guard may be called in.
(=important)· Getting married is a major event in anyone’s life.
(=very important)· The major exception to the general downturn, the tourism sector, has actually seen an increase in profits.
(=large and important)· His work is the subject of a major exhibition at the National Gallery.
(=large and important)· The company is planning a major expansion of its retail outlets.
formal· We are getting reports of a major explosion at the oil refinery.
· Agricultural products are the country’s principal exports.
Japan is a leading exporter of textiles. (=the most or least important of several factors)· The country’s huge mineral reserves are a major factor behind its economic strength.
· A big fire was raging at the fuel depot.
a slight flaw in the glass· Lead pipes are a serious hazard to health.
(=important)· The war had a major impact on French domestic politics.
(=very important or serious)· The lack of affordable housing has major implications for families living in rural areas.
(=very big)· The new computer system was a vast improvement.
(=very serious)· The most recent major incident was an explosion at an oil refinery.
· Agriculture is still a major industry in Scotland.
· Parents have an important influence on children's development.· He was a major influence on my musical tastes.
· Developing a new computer system is always a big investment for any organisation.
(=very important)· For me, the big issue is cost.
(=an important one)· From Parliament Hill, you can see most of London's major landmarks.
· They made major modifications to the house to allow him to use his wheelchair.
· Two of Britain's major motorways pass through Nottingham.
· There were serious objections to using the videotaped evidence at the trial.
· Debt is a major obstacle to economic growth.· There are serious obstacles to obtaining sufficient funding.
Your failing to note her mistakes is a serious omission.· The unit cares for patients recovering from major operations.
a firm that is a dominant player on Wall Street Some knowledge of Spanish is a definite plus in this job. a list of Canada’s worst polluters· The city became a major port.
(=very large)· He owns a substantial portion of the company.
(=very important one)· There will be representatives from all the world's major powers at the conference.
· The school’s biggest problem is a shortage of cash.
· Lifting things carelessly can lead to serious back problems.
· A major programme of modernisation is transforming public transport in London.
· The company is funding a major research project into the causes of addiction.
Dr George is one of the leading proponents of this view. (also a big reason informal)· His personality was a major reason for his success.· A big reason for the decrease in smoking is the ban on cigarette advertising.
· He called for a major reform of the drug laws.
(=a big one)· The car didn't need to have any major repairs done.
(=serious or important)· We have major reservations about his ability to do the job.
the major restructuring of our armed forces· We are conducting a major review of our procedures.
· The jail was hit by a serious riot last year.
· She played an important role in her husband’s political career.
· It was his first major role.
· The president was forced to resign following a major scandal.
· The government is introducing a major house-building scheme in the area.
· Losing our key player would be a major setback for the team.
· There has recently been a big shift in the way people are accessing information.
· The lead mines were once a major source of employment for the islanders.
(=very important)· This was her first major speech as party leader.
· The move is seen as a major step forward for UK firms.
The government has made great strides in reducing poverty. (=one that has very bad effects)· Her brother has just died of a massive stroke.
· The government claimed the policy was a major success.
· He will require major surgery to remove the lump.· The president will undergo minor surgery today to remove a small growth from his finger.
· Cultural change is the second major theme of his work.
· Bad air quality poses a serious threat to public health.
· It is one of the UK’s biggest retailers with shops in every major town.
Moving house is a major upheaval.· He said the court’s decision was a great victory.
· Traffic congestion is not yet a major worry in the area.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1an officer of middle rank in the British or US army or marines, or in the US air force → drum major2especially American English the main subject that a student studies at college or university: - All the majors and two of the mini-majors set up production subsidiaries in London.
- And why is attendance down nearly 23 percent throughout the majors?
- Experiencing the majors was a pretty horrendous experience.
- McGwire belted 65 homers to lead the majors in 1999.
- The economic slump has dried up the big-ticket multi-billion yen projects that the majors used to thrive on.
- They were chuffed when one of the majors offered her the lucrative contract.
- Yet it was the only way to go if the labels they represent were to compete with the might of the majors.
- But people tend to drink caffeine on a regular basis over long periods of time-often the greater part of a lifetime.
- For the Third World or rather the underdeveloped world these questions have existed for the greater part of this century.
- Her objective was to acquire Transylvania, and she now at once invaded that country and quickly occupied the greater part of it.
- I already had a stitch scar running the greater part of my left leg.
- Many of those who call themselves farmers because they still own land derive the major part of their incomes from non-agricultural occupations.
- No council can hope to sack a large portion of its staff, who take the greater part of its expenditure.
- The filtered beer is tank conditioned, but the greater part of output has a secondary fermentation in the bottle.
- Their discussion comprises the major part of the story, with the Professore arguing the old dialectical materialist line.
Her major is history.3American English someone studying a particular subject as their main subject at college or university: She’s a history major.4the majors [plural] the Major Leaguesmajor1 adjectivemajor2 nounmajor3 verb
majormajor3 ●○○ verb VERB TABLE
major
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | major |
| he, she, it | majors | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | majored |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have majored |
| he, she, it | has majored | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had majored |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will major |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have majored |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am majoring |
| he, she, it | is majoring | |
| you, we, they | are majoring | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was majoring |
| you, we, they | were majoring | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been majoring |
| he, she, it | has been majoring | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been majoring |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be majoring |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been majoring |
Longman Language Activatorto study something at school, university etc
to learn about a subject by reading books, going to classes etc: · It's difficult to study when the weather's so hot.· I've been studying English for six years now.· His parents sent him to Moscow to study physics, chemistry, and mathematics.· If you study hard, you'll be able to get into a good university.study to be something: · She's at business school, studying to be an accountant.study under (=receive lessons from a famous teacher): · Nicoll was himself a noted psychologist and studied under Jung in Zurich.
to study a subject - use this to talk about subjects that you choose to study at school, college, university etc: · What classes are you taking next semester?· In my final year, I decided to take English, French, and economics.· All freshmen have to take at least one composition course.
British informal to study a particular subject at school or university: · I can't decide whether to do German or Spanish next year.· Did you do computing at school?do a course: · Why not do a language course at your local college?
American to study something as your main subject at a college or university: · What are you majoring in?· Diane majored in psychology at the University of Washington.
American if you minor in a subject, it is the second most important subject you study at a college or university: · I'm planning to study computer science, but I still might minor in English.
also have lessons British to pay for lessons from a teacher in order to study a subject or skill in your free time: · My mother wants me to take violin lessons.· I'm having Spanish lessons after work.take lessons in: · Students at the school can even take lessons in golf.
British formal to study a subject at university: · Oliver is reading philosophy at Oxford.· She went on to read medicine at Edinburgh.
British an offer or opportunity to study as a student at a particular school, college, or university: · Studies show that students from wealthier backgrounds are more likely to be offered places at high-achieving schools.have/get a place (at): · Jenny has a place to study law at Exeter this year.· If I get a place at Manchester, I'll take it.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES It was a major accomplishment for a player who had been injured so recently. a major advance The King’s Arms pub is to undergo extensive alterations. Exercise is one of the key components of a healthy lifestyle. Japan is a leading exporter of textiles. a slight flaw in the glass Your failing to note her mistakes is a serious omission. a firm that is a dominant player on Wall Street Some knowledge of Spanish is a definite plus in this job. a list of Canada’s worst polluters Dr George is one of the leading proponents of this view. the major restructuring of our armed forces The government has made great strides in reducing poverty. Moving house is a major upheaval.
· News is coming in of a major rail accident.
It was a major accomplishment for a player who had been injured so recently.· Writing the book was a major achievement.
a major advance The King’s Arms pub is to undergo extensive alterations.· The ducks and geese are a big attraction to children.
· The restaurant has won several top awards.· Their design won a major award at a Paris exhibition.
· The new system will be a great benefit to the company.
· The earthquake was a serious blow to the area’s tourism industry.
· Einstein believed he was on the verge of a big breakthrough.
· a major category of vehicle· Theft is one of the major categories of crime.
· In this country, debt is a major cause of homelessness.· Drug abuse is the leading cause of crime and violence.
· The region has been named as a major centre of international terrorism.
· It is one of Europe’s biggest clothing chains.
· Building the tunnel presented a major challenge to engineers.
· Going to a new school is a big change for children.
· They have stores in Houston, Dallas, and other big cities.
(=an important one)· Some of our major clients have not taken the news of the merger well.
· Japan soon became a major competitor in the electronics industry.
Exercise is one of the key components of a healthy lifestyle.· We made some major concessions in order to protect national security.
· In Egypt, the shortage of land and water is a major constraint on agriculture.
· Tourism makes a major contribution to the local economy.
· That decision was the second major controversy of the prime minister's career.
· Our farming industry has been hit by a serious crisis.
(=who is important and buys a lot)· America is a big customer for Japanese goods.
(=very important)· The government now has some major decisions to make.
(=very serious)· They have found a major defect in the program.
· I think you’ll notice a big difference.
· By then, we were having serious financial difficulties.
· This method has one major disadvantage: its cost.
· The archaeologists had made an important discovery.
(=very big)· If a major earthquake hits a large city, millions could die.
· The teachers’ strike had a big effect on many schools.
(=very important)· Private study is a major element of the students’ timetable.
(=severe and important)· This episode has been a serious embarrassment for the club.
(=a dangerous situation that affects a large number of people)· In a major emergency, the national guard may be called in.
(=important)· Getting married is a major event in anyone’s life.
(=very important)· The major exception to the general downturn, the tourism sector, has actually seen an increase in profits.
(=large and important)· His work is the subject of a major exhibition at the National Gallery.
(=large and important)· The company is planning a major expansion of its retail outlets.
formal· We are getting reports of a major explosion at the oil refinery.
· Agricultural products are the country’s principal exports.
Japan is a leading exporter of textiles. (=the most or least important of several factors)· The country’s huge mineral reserves are a major factor behind its economic strength.
· A big fire was raging at the fuel depot.
a slight flaw in the glass· Lead pipes are a serious hazard to health.
(=important)· The war had a major impact on French domestic politics.
(=very important or serious)· The lack of affordable housing has major implications for families living in rural areas.
(=very big)· The new computer system was a vast improvement.
(=very serious)· The most recent major incident was an explosion at an oil refinery.
· Agriculture is still a major industry in Scotland.
· Parents have an important influence on children's development.· He was a major influence on my musical tastes.
· Developing a new computer system is always a big investment for any organisation.
(=very important)· For me, the big issue is cost.
(=an important one)· From Parliament Hill, you can see most of London's major landmarks.
· They made major modifications to the house to allow him to use his wheelchair.
· Two of Britain's major motorways pass through Nottingham.
· There were serious objections to using the videotaped evidence at the trial.
· Debt is a major obstacle to economic growth.· There are serious obstacles to obtaining sufficient funding.
Your failing to note her mistakes is a serious omission.· The unit cares for patients recovering from major operations.
a firm that is a dominant player on Wall Street Some knowledge of Spanish is a definite plus in this job. a list of Canada’s worst polluters· The city became a major port.
(=very large)· He owns a substantial portion of the company.
(=very important one)· There will be representatives from all the world's major powers at the conference.
· The school’s biggest problem is a shortage of cash.
· Lifting things carelessly can lead to serious back problems.
· A major programme of modernisation is transforming public transport in London.
· The company is funding a major research project into the causes of addiction.
Dr George is one of the leading proponents of this view. (also a big reason informal)· His personality was a major reason for his success.· A big reason for the decrease in smoking is the ban on cigarette advertising.
· He called for a major reform of the drug laws.
(=a big one)· The car didn't need to have any major repairs done.
(=serious or important)· We have major reservations about his ability to do the job.
the major restructuring of our armed forces· We are conducting a major review of our procedures.
· The jail was hit by a serious riot last year.
· She played an important role in her husband’s political career.
· It was his first major role.
· The president was forced to resign following a major scandal.
· The government is introducing a major house-building scheme in the area.
· Losing our key player would be a major setback for the team.
· There has recently been a big shift in the way people are accessing information.
· The lead mines were once a major source of employment for the islanders.
(=very important)· This was her first major speech as party leader.
· The move is seen as a major step forward for UK firms.
The government has made great strides in reducing poverty. (=one that has very bad effects)· Her brother has just died of a massive stroke.
· The government claimed the policy was a major success.
· He will require major surgery to remove the lump.· The president will undergo minor surgery today to remove a small growth from his finger.
· Cultural change is the second major theme of his work.
· Bad air quality poses a serious threat to public health.
· It is one of the UK’s biggest retailers with shops in every major town.
Moving house is a major upheaval.· He said the court’s decision was a great victory.
· Traffic congestion is not yet a major worry in the area.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
major in something phrasal verb especially American English to study something as your main subject at college or university: - But people tend to drink caffeine on a regular basis over long periods of time-often the greater part of a lifetime.
- For the Third World or rather the underdeveloped world these questions have existed for the greater part of this century.
- Her objective was to acquire Transylvania, and she now at once invaded that country and quickly occupied the greater part of it.
- I already had a stitch scar running the greater part of my left leg.
- Many of those who call themselves farmers because they still own land derive the major part of their incomes from non-agricultural occupations.
- No council can hope to sack a large portion of its staff, who take the greater part of its expenditure.
- The filtered beer is tank conditioned, but the greater part of output has a secondary fermentation in the bottle.
- Their discussion comprises the major part of the story, with the Professore arguing the old dialectical materialist line.
He’s majoring in Political Science.major on something phrasal verb especially British English to pay particular attention to one subject or thing: The company is planning to major on offering the machines we need.