Reading Theme:
Master Definition: Expert, Leader, and Usage Tips (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：highly skilled expert (master)
master
/ˈmæstər/
n.
A person who is extremely skilled and experienced in a particular activity or subject.
highly skilled expert
➕
/ˈhaɪli skɪld ˈɛkspɜːrt/
n.
Refers to an individual who has achieved the highest level of proficiency in a specific domain, often through extensive practice and study.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'magister' (chief, teacher), from 'magnus' (great).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'master' = 'mass-ter': one who has mastered a vast mass of knowledge or skill.
📖 Example
After decades of practice, she is considered a master of classical piano, able to play the most difficult pieces with emotion and precision.
After decades of practice, she is considered a master of classical piano, able to play the most difficult pieces with emotion and precision.
🔗 Collocations
master of a craft – someone who has complete skill in a particular craft
master pianist – a pianist who is extremely skilled
become a master – to achieve mastery in a field
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
In medieval guilds, a master was a skilled artisan who had passed an exam and could train apprentices. The title later extended to teachers and experts.
Meaning 2：person in charge (master)
master
/ˈmæstər/
n.
A person who has control over something or someone; the person in charge or the owner.
person in charge
➕
/ˈpɜːrsən ɪn tʃɑːrdʒ/
n.
Denotes an individual who holds authority or control over others or over a situation, such as a leader, owner, or manager.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
As the project manager, he was the master of the timeline, carefully coordinating every team member's tasks to ensure we finished on schedule.
As the project manager, he was the master of the timeline, carefully coordinating every team member's tasks to ensure we finished on schedule.
🔗 Collocations
master of the house – the male head of a household
master and commander – the person who has full authority
master of ceremonies – the person who hosts an event and controls the proceedings
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
follower (n.) – a person who follows the commands or ideas of another
subordinate (n.) – a person under the authority of another
Wordbook
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