mayor (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Adjective and Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/mayˈoɾ/

Translation Options into English

• Older
• Greater
• Major (in a sense of importance)
• Mayor (as in a political title)

Meaning and Usage

In Spanish, "mayor" primarily functions as an adjective meaning "older" or "greater." It can be used to denote something of higher degree or importance, as well as to refer to a person holding the office of "mayor" in a municipality.

Frequency of Use

The term is frequently used in both oral and written contexts. It commonly appears in everyday conversation, formal writing, legal documents, and discussions related to governance and politics.

Example Sentences

1. El hermano mayor de Juan siempre lo cuida.

2. Juan's older brother always takes care of him.

3. La ciudad eligió a un nuevo alcalde mayor para el próximo periodo.

4. The city elected a new major (mayor) for the next term.

5. Su experiencia es preferible por ser mayor en el campo.

6. His experience is preferable as it is greater in the field.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "mayor" is used in several idiomatic expressions in Spanish:

• Mayor de edad: Refers to someone who is of legal age (usually 18 years old).

• Ejemplo: Mi hija es mayor de edad y puede votar.

  • My daughter is of legal age and can vote.

• Mayores y menores: Used to distinguish between "older and younger" people or things.

• Ejemplo: En la reunión hubo mayores y menores, lo que facilitó el debate.

  • In the meeting, there were older and younger participants, which facilitated the debate.

• Mayor riesgo: Indicates a greater risk.

• Ejemplo: Invertir en acciones tiene un mayor riesgo que en bonos.

  • Investing in stocks carries a greater risk than in bonds.

• Con mayores costos: Signifies higher costs.

• Ejemplo: Hacer cambios en la planta tendrá mayores costos que lo previsto.
  • Making changes in the plant will have higher costs than expected.

Etymology

The word "mayor" derives from the Latin word "maior," which is the comparative form of "magnus," meaning "great" or "large." Its usage has evolved in the Spanish language to include both the comparative sense and the specific political title.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Superior (superior)
• Anciano (elderly, when referring to people)

Antonyms

• Menor (younger or lesser)
• Inferior (inferior or lower)

This comprehensive overview provides insight into how "mayor" is used across various contexts in the Spanish language.