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Masterwork: meaning, definitions and examples

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masterwork

[ ˈmastərˌwərk ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

art

A masterpiece; a work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship.

Synonyms

magnum opus, masterpiece.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
masterwork	Similar to 'masterwork', this term denotes an exceptionally skillful creation. However, it is slightly more formal and can be used in scholarly or critical assessments. The architect's design is a modern masterwork. This sonnet is a masterwork of poetic brilliance.
masterpiece	Commonly used to describe a thing created with exceptional skill. It can refer to various fields including art, literature, and even craftsmanship. It's a term used broadly to signify something of outstanding quality. The painting was an undeniable masterpiece, admired by all who viewed it. Her latest movie is considered a cinematic masterpiece.
magnum opus	Often employed to refer to the greatest work of an artist, writer, or musician. It signifies the most important and impressive work in a creator's career. Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is often regarded as his magnum opus. The professor considers this book his magnum opus.

Word

Description / Examples

masterwork

Similar to 'masterwork', this term denotes an exceptionally skillful creation. However, it is slightly more formal and can be used in scholarly or critical assessments.

The architect's design is a modern masterwork.
This sonnet is a masterwork of poetic brilliance.

masterpiece

Commonly used to describe a thing created with exceptional skill. It can refer to various fields including art, literature, and even craftsmanship. It's a term used broadly to signify something of outstanding quality.

The painting was an undeniable masterpiece, admired by all who viewed it.
Her latest movie is considered a cinematic masterpiece.

magnum opus

Often employed to refer to the greatest work of an artist, writer, or musician. It signifies the most important and impressive work in a creator's career.

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is often regarded as his magnum opus.
The professor considers this book his magnum opus.

Examples of usage

It took the artist years to complete his masterwork.
The painting was considered a masterwork of the Renaissance period.

Translations

Translations of the word "masterwork" in other languages:

🇵🇹 obra-prima

🇮🇳 उत्कृष्ट कृति

🇩🇪 Meisterwerk

🇮🇩 karya agung

🇺🇦 шедевр

🇵🇱 arcydzieło

🇯🇵 傑作 (けっさく)

🇫🇷 chef-d'œuvre

🇪🇸 obra maestra

🇹🇷 şaheser

🇰🇷 걸작 (geoljag)

🇸🇦 تحفة فنية

🇨🇿 mistrovské dílo

🇸🇰 majstrovské dielo

🇨🇳 杰作 (jiézuò)

🇸🇮 mojstrovina

🇮🇸 meistaraverk

🇰🇿 шедевр

🇬🇪 შედევრი (shedevri)

🇦🇿 şah əsər

🇲🇽 obra maestra

Etymology

The term 'masterwork' originated in the mid 17th century, combining 'master' and 'work' to represent a piece of work created by a skilled artist or craftsman. Over time, it has come to be widely used in the context of art and craftsmanship to refer to a piece that showcases exceptional talent and skill.