Major vs. Mayor: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Major is a military rank or an adjective denoting importance, while Mayor is an elected head of a city, town, or other municipality.
Key Differences
In a military context, a Major is a rank above Captain and below Lieutenant Colonel. A Mayor is a civil position, elected to be the head of the local government in towns, cities, or municipalities.
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Nov 22, 2023
A Major in the military often commands a battalion-sized unit and has significant administrative responsibilities. The Mayor's duties typically include overseeing local government operations, representing the municipality, and implementing policies.
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Nov 22, 2023
The rank of Major is achieved through military service and promotion based on criteria like experience and performance. Mayors are elected by the residents of the municipality they serve, for a fixed term that varies by location.
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Nov 22, 2023
A Major’s authority is confined to military matters and is part of a structured chain of command. A Mayor's authority is civic, involving public administration, local laws, and community development.
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As an adjective, 'major' also denotes something of greater importance or significance in various sectors. The role of a Mayor is inherently political and central to local governance and community leadership.
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Nov 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A military rank or an adjective for importance
An elected head of a city, town, or municipality
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Sphere of Influence
Military operations, administration
Local government, policy, community development
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Method of Attainment
Military promotion based on merit and service
Elected by citizens of the municipality
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Duration and Tenure
Based on military service and can be a lifelong career
Fixed terms, varying with different municipalities
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Contextual Use
Used in military and as an adjective in general English
Used specifically in a civic governance context
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Nov 22, 2023
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Major and Mayor Definitions
Major
A term used in music to refer to a scale, interval, or key characterized by a specific set of notes.
The composer preferred the bright sounds of a major key.
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Nov 22, 2023
Mayor
A public official leading the executive branch of a local government.
The Mayor proposed a new budget for city improvements.
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Nov 22, 2023
Mayor
An authority in local governance and community issues.
The Mayor initiated several community outreach programs.
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Mayor
The elected head of a city, town, or other municipality.
The Mayor inaugurated the new public library.
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Nov 22, 2023
Mayor
The head of government of a city, town, borough, or municipal corporation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mayor
The chief executive of the municipal government of a city, borough, etc., formerly (historical) usually appointed as a caretaker by European royal courts but now usually appointed or elected locally.
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
Of or relating to the field of academic study in which a student specializes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mayor
(historical) mair, various former officials in the Kingdom of Scotland.
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Major
Designating a scale or mode having half steps between the third and fourth and the seventh and eighth degrees.
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Major
Equivalent to the distance between the tonic note and the second or third or sixth or seventh degrees of a major scale or mode
A major interval.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mayor
A largely ceremonial position in some municipal governments that presides over the city council while a contracted city manager holds actual executive power.
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
A commissioned rank in the US Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps that is above captain and below lieutenant colonel.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mayor
A local VIP, a muckamuck or big shot reckoned to lead some local group.
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Major
One who holds this rank or a similar rank in another military organization.
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Mayor
The chief magistrate of a city or borough; the chief administrative officer of a municipal corporation. In some American cities there is a city court of which the major is chief judge. The post is usually elective, its holder chosen by the electorate of the entire city.
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
One that is superior in rank, importance, or ability
An oil-producing country considered as one of the majors.
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Major
(Law) One recognized by the law as having reached the age of adulthood.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mayor
A representative and figurehead of a municipal corporation.
The Mayor attended the international conference as the city's representative.
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Nov 22, 2023
Mayor
A leader responsible for local law enforcement and administration.
The Mayor addressed the public safety concerns in a recent press conference.
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Nov 22, 2023
Major
A chord containing a major third between the first and second notes and a minor third between the second and third notes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
Greater in number, quantity, or extent.
The major part of the assembly
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Major
Prominent or significant in size, amount, or degree.
To earn some major cash
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Major
(medicine) Involving great risk, serious, life-threatening.
To suffer from a major illness
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Major
(education) Of or relating to a subject of academic study chosen as a field of specialization.
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
Having intervals of a semitone between the third and fourth, and seventh and eighth degrees.
Major scale
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Major
Equivalent to that between the tonic and another note of a major scale, and greater by a semitone than the corresponding minor interval.
Major third
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Major
(postpositive) of a key Based on a major scale, tending to produce a bright or joyful effect.
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
Indicating the elder of two brothers, appended to a surname in public schools.
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
Occurring as the predicate in the conclusion of a categorical syllogism.
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Major
(military ranks) A rank of officer in the army and the US air force, between captain and lieutenant colonel.
He used to be a major in the army.
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Major
An officer in charge of a section of band instruments, used with a modifier.
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
A large, commercially successful company, especially a record label that is bigger than an indie.
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
The principal subject or course of a student working toward a degree at a college or university.
Midway through his second year of college, he still hadn't chosen a major.
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
A student at a college or university specializing on a given area of study.
She is a math major.
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Major
(entomology) A large leaf-cutter ant that acts as a soldier, defending the nest.
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Major
Greater in number, quantity, or extent; as, the major part of the assembly; the major part of the revenue; the major part of the territory.
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
Greater by a semitone, either in interval or in difference of pitch from another tone.
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
An officer next in rank above a captain and next below a lieutenant colonel; the lowest field officer.
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
That premise which contains the major term. It its the first proposition of a regular syllogism; as: No unholy person is qualified for happiness in heaven [the major]. Every man in his natural state is unholy [minor]. Therefore, no man in his natural state is qualified for happiness in heaven [conclusion or inference].
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
A commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines; below lieutenant colonel and above captain
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Major
British statesman who was prime minister from 1990 until 1997 (born in 1943)
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Major
A university student who is studying a particular field as the principal subject;
She is a linguistics major
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Major
The principal field of study of a student at a university;
Her major is linguistics
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Major
Have as one's principal field of study;
She is majoring in linguistics
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Major
Of greater importance or stature or rank;
A major artist
A major role
Major highways
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Major
Greater in scope or effect;
A major contribution
A major improvement
A major break with tradition
A major misunderstanding
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Major
Greater in number or size or amount;
A major portion (a majority) of the population
Ursa Major
A major portion of the winnings
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
Of the field of academic study in which one concentrates or specializes;
His major field was mathematics
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
Of greater seriousness or danger;
A major earthquake
A major hurricane
A major illness
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Oct 19, 2023
Major
A military officer ranking above a Captain and below a Lieutenant Colonel.
The Major led his battalion with exceptional skill.
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Nov 22, 2023
Major
Greater in importance, seriousness, or significance.
Climate change is a major concern for future generations.
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Nov 22, 2023
Major
Specializing in a specified field or subject in higher education.
She decided to major in biology at the university.
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Major
An adjective describing something large or extensive in size or degree.
The company is planning a major expansion in Europe.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can the term 'major' be used outside the military?
Yes, 'major' is also an adjective for something important or a field of study.
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What is the primary role of a Major in the military?
A Major typically commands units and has significant administrative duties.
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Nov 22, 2023
How is a Mayor chosen?
A Mayor is elected by the residents of the municipality they will serve.
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Does a Major participate in combat?
Majors can participate in combat, but they often have more administrative roles.
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What are the responsibilities of a Mayor?
A Mayor oversees local government operations and implements policies.
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How does a Mayor interact with other government officials?
Mayors collaborate with city councils, state officials, and sometimes federal agencies.
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What power does a Mayor have?
A Mayor has the power to implement policies, oversee city departments, and represent the municipality.
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How long does a Mayor serve?
The term length varies, typically ranging from two to four years, depending on local laws.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is 'Major' a high rank in the military?
It's a mid-level officer rank, higher than Captain and lower than Lieutenant Colonel.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can a Major become a General?
Yes, with further promotion and experience, a Major can rise to General ranks.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can a Mayor be re-elected?
Yes, many mayors can serve multiple terms if re-elected.
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Can anyone become a Mayor?
Eligibility varies, but typically candidates must be residents of the municipality and meet age and citizenship requirements.
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Are there different types of Majors in the military?
The role of a Major can vary depending on the military branch and specific duties.
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How does one become a Major?
Through military service, meeting performance criteria, and promotion.
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What skills are important for a Major?
Leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making skills are crucial.
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What are the challenges of being a Major?
Challenges include leadership responsibilities, operational planning, and personnel management.
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What role does a Mayor play in emergencies?
Mayors coordinate emergency responses and public safety measures.
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Nov 22, 2023
What education is needed to become a Major?
A bachelor's degree and officer training are typically required, along with years of military service.
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Nov 22, 2023
Do Mayors have a role in law enforcement?
Mayors often oversee local law enforcement and public safety strategies.
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What is the impact of a Mayor on a community?
Mayors significantly impact local governance, development, and community well-being.
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Nov 22, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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