Reading Theme:
Masterpiece Definition, Examples & Usage Guide
Meaning 1：greatest work (masterpiece)
masterpiece
/ˈmæstərpiːs/
n.
The best work someone has ever made, showing their greatest skill, like a perfect painting or book.
greatest work
➕
/ˈɡreɪtɪst wɜːrk/
n.
The finest piece of work created by a person, showing exceptional skill and often considered the peak of their achievement.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'master' (skilled expert) + 'piece' (work), literally 'a master's work'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a master chef's perfect dish—that's a masterpiece.
📖 Example
Many people believe Van Gogh's *Starry Night* is a masterpiece of painting.
Many people believe Van Gogh's *Starry Night* is a masterpiece of painting.
🔗 Collocations
a true masterpiece – An unquestionably excellent work
masterpiece of engineering – An engineering work of outstanding quality
create a masterpiece – To produce a work of the highest quality
🔄 Synonyms
magnum opus (n.) – The greatest work of an artist or writer
chef-d'œuvre (n.) – A masterpiece, especially of art or literature
work of art (n.) – A piece of creative work that is very skillful or beautiful
🚫 Antonyms
failure (n.) – A work that does not meet its intended goals
disaster (n.) – A complete failure, especially in creative work
inferior work (n.) – A piece of work of low quality
📖 Cultural Story
First recorded in English around 1577, based on Dutch 'meesterstuk' or German 'Meisterstück', referring to a work qualifying a craftsman as a master.
Wordbook
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