Major vs. Main: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on December 27, 2023
"Major" refers to something that is larger, more important, or more significant than others, often in a comparative sense, while "main" denotes the principal or most important part or thing in a group, set, or system.
Difference Between Major and Main
"Major" is used to describe something significant or of greater size, importance, or degree within a group or category. It implies a comparison with others, suggesting prominence or dominance. In contrast, "main" refers to the chief or primary element or part of something, indicating its central or most essential aspect without necessarily implying comparison.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
The term "major" often conveys a sense of scale or impact and is used in various contexts, from describing significant events to major figures in a field. "Main," however, denotes the primary focus or central component of something, like the main point of an argument or the main character in a story.
Muazma Batool
Dec 27, 2023
In academics, a student's "major" is their primary field of study, indicating a focus of significant importance in their education. The "main" subject in a curriculum, on the other hand, refers to the central or most important subject, typically mandatory for all students.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
In a more abstract sense, "major" can signify something of greater relevance or urgency, like a major concern or issue. "Main," however, is often used in a more structural or positional context, like the main idea in a paragraph or the main entrance of a building.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
"Major" can also imply a sense of majority or larger part, as in a major portion. In contrast, "main" is used to refer to the most important or central part, like the main course in a meal, regardless of its size relative to others.
Jonathan
Dec 27, 2023
Major vs. Main Comparison Chart
Definition
Larger, more important, or significant in a comparative sense.
Principal or most important, often central or essential.
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Dec 27, 2023
Context
Significance, impact, or prominence.
Focus, centrality, or primary importance.
Muazma Batool
Dec 27, 2023
Usage in Academics
Refers to a student's primary field of study.
Refers to the central or most important subject.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
Abstract Implication
Greater relevance or urgency.
Structural or positional centrality.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
Relationship to Size
Often implies majority or larger part.
Importance or centrality, not necessarily related to size.
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Dec 27, 2023
Major vs. Main Definitions
◉Main
Most important or central.
The main topic of the meeting was budget allocation.
Muazma Batool
Dec 27, 2023
◉Major
Greater in size, importance, or degree.
The major issue in the campaign was healthcare.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
◉Major
A student's primary field of study in college.
His major in college was computer science.
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Dec 27, 2023
◉Main
The central or most significant part.
The main character in the novel is a young detective.
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Dec 27, 2023
◉Major
Significantly large or important in a particular context.
She played a major role in the project's success.
Muazma Batool
Dec 27, 2023
◉Main
Principal in terms of location or position.
The main street in the town is lined with shops.
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Dec 27, 2023
◉Major
The greater part or majority.
A major part of the budget was allocated to education.
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Dec 27, 2023
◉Main
Chief in size or importance.
The main entrance of the building faces the park.
Elijah
Dec 27, 2023
◉Main
Exerted to the utmost; sheer
"They took her off the sled by main strength" (Jack London).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Major vs. Main Frequently Asked Questions
Can major and main be used interchangeably?
Not usually, as "major" emphasizes significance or size, while "main" denotes centrality or primary importance.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
Does main refer to location?
Main can refer to the principal location or position, like the main entrance of a building.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
Is major always about size?
Major often implies larger size or importance, but it can also refer to the degree of significance or impact.
Kaitlyn
Dec 27, 2023
What does major mean?
Major refers to something larger, more important, or more significant than others in a group or category.
Muazma Batool
Dec 27, 2023
Is major used in military rankings?
Yes, major is also a military rank, typically above captain and below lieutenant colonel.
Elijah
Dec 27, 2023
Can a subject be both major and main?
Yes, a subject can be both major (significant) and main (central or principal) in different contexts.
Leo
Dec 27, 2023
What does main mean?
Main denotes the principal or most important element or part in a group, system, or set.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
What's an example of a main idea?
A main idea is the central or most important point in a text or discussion.
Muneeza Rehman
Dec 27, 2023
What's an example of a major decision?
A major decision is one that has significant consequences or importance, like choosing a career path.
Jonathan
Dec 27, 2023
Can a road be both major and main?
Yes, a road can be major in terms of size or traffic (major road) and main in terms of centrality or importance (main street).
William
Dec 27, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
