masterpiece
gb/mˈæstɚpˌis/ us/mˈæstɚpˌis/
B2
English
~ 9300
remekmű, főmű, mesterremek, remek
NOUN
B2
1
remekmű
B2
Usage pattern:
a masterpiece of [genre/skill]
Critics are already calling the film a modern masterpiece.
A kritikusok máris modern remekműnek nevezik a filmet.
The cathedral is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
A katedrálist a gótikus építészet remekművének tartják.
Her latest novel is a quiet masterpiece that rewards patient readers.
This dish is a masterpiece of flavor and presentation.
The exhibition features several masterpieces from the Italian Renaissance.
Learner examples
The movie was a masterpiece, and everyone loved it.
A film remekmű volt, és mindenkinek nagyon tetszett.
This painting is a masterpiece of color and light.
Ez a festmény a színek és a fény remekműve.
Many people think that building is a modern masterpiece.
The chef’s dessert was a small but perfect masterpiece.
His song became a pop masterpiece around the world.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'masterpiece' too often for ordinary good things, like a normal homework project or a simple meal. In English it is usually reserved for works that are truly exceptional. Another mistake is using it for a person (e.g., *"He is a masterpiece"*). Instead, say *"His work is a masterpiece"*.
Meaning
an exceptionally good work
Collocations
a true masterpiece
|modern masterpiece
|literary masterpiece
|cinematic masterpiece
|a masterpiece of design
|regarded as a masterpiece
Synonyms
masterwork (Very close in meaning; slightly more formal and less common in everyday speech.)
|
tour de force (Highlights impressive skill or effort; more stylistic and often used in reviews.)
|
classic (Emphasizes lasting value and influence, not always the same intense level of perfection as 'masterpiece'.)
Antonyms
failure (A work that does not succeed in its aims, opposite of a highly successful 'masterpiece'.)
|
mess (Informal; a work that is badly made or disorganized, the opposite of a polished 'masterpiece'.)
Themes
art
|culture
|literature
|arts_entertainment
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A work, such as a book, painting, film, or building, that is made extremely well and is seen as very important or beautiful.
A work of art, literature, craft, or skill that is judged to be of exceptionally high quality and great achievement.
NOUN
B2
2
főmű
C1
Usage pattern:
[something] is [someone]’s masterpiece
Many critics regard this symphony as the composer’s true masterpiece.
Sok kritikus ezt a szimfóniát tartja a zeneszerző igazi főművének.
Although he wrote several popular novels, this short story is often seen as his masterpiece.
Bár több népszerű regényt is írt, ezt a novellát gyakran a főművének tekintik.
Her third film is widely considered her masterpiece and changed the course of her career.
Some argue that his later paintings, not the famous early ones, are his real masterpieces.
The opera is the director’s undisputed masterpiece and is still performed worldwide.
Learner examples
This book is often called the writer’s masterpiece.
Ezt a könyvet gyakran az író főművének nevezik.
Many people think that painting is the artist’s masterpiece.
Sokan úgy gondolják, hogy az a festmény a művész főműve.
Fans say this album is the band’s masterpiece.
The chef’s last menu is his real masterpiece.
Some people believe this game is the designer’s masterpiece.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this sense with a general 'very good work'. When you say 'X is her masterpiece', it usually means it is seen as her single best or most important work, not just one excellent work among many.
Meaning
someone’s greatest work
Collocations
widely seen as his masterpiece
|often considered her masterpiece
|the artist’s undisputed masterpiece
|regarded as the director’s masterpiece
|many call it the composer’s masterpiece
Synonyms
crowning achievement (Focuses on overall life accomplishment, not only artistic work.)
|
magnum opus (Formal and literary; Latin term mainly used for writers’ or artists’ best work.)
Antonyms
minor work (A less important or less developed work by the same person, opposite of their major 'masterpiece'.)
|
early effort (Suggests a work made before the person reached their full skill, the opposite of a fully mature 'masterpiece'.)
Themes
art
|career
|evaluation
|arts_entertainment
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The one work that people think is the best thing a person has made in their life or career.
The single work that is widely regarded as the best or most important thing ever created by a particular artist, writer, or professional.
NOUN
C1
TECHNICAL
3
mesterremek
C1
remek
C1
Usage pattern:
to submit a masterpiece to [a guild]
The silver bowl was created as the craftsman’s masterpiece to gain entry to the goldsmiths’ guild.
Az ezüsttál a kézműves mesterremeke volt, amellyel be akart kerülni az ötvöscéhbe.
In many medieval cities, a journeyman had to present a masterpiece before being allowed to open his own workshop.
Sok középkori városban a legénynek mesterremeket kellett bemutatnia, mielőtt megnyithatta volna a saját műhelyét.
The museum displays several guild masterpieces that demonstrate the standards of the time.
His carved chest was accepted as a masterpiece by the furniture makers’ guild.
Art historians have identified this table as the carpenter’s original masterpiece submission.
Learner examples
Long ago, a worker had to make a masterpiece to become a master.
Régen egy mesterlegénynek mesterremeket kellett készítenie, hogy mester lehessen.
The young man showed his masterpiece to the guild.
A fiatalember megmutatta a mesterremekét a céhnek.
This old chair was a carpenter’s masterpiece for his test.
The museum keeps many guild masterpieces from the past.
A journeyman made a masterpiece to prove his great skill.
Meaning
guild work proving mastery
Collocations
submit a masterpiece
|guild masterpiece
|craftsman’s masterpiece
|accepted as a masterpiece
Synonyms
test piece (General term for a work made to prove skill; less specific to guilds.)
Antonyms
apprentice piece (A beginner’s work that shows early learning, the opposite end of the skill scale from a guild 'masterpiece'.)
Themes
history
|craft
|work
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
In old work groups called guilds, a worker made a special piece called a masterpiece to show great skill and become a master.
In historical craft guilds, a work produced by a journeyman to demonstrate skill at the highest level in order to be accepted as a master.
Grammar
Dictionary form
masterpiece
IPA
GB/mˈæstɚpˌis/
US/mˈæstɚpˌis/
Syllables & stress
mas - ter - piece (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mas)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: masterpiece
- Plural: masterpieces
Word family
Expressions
a masterpiece of understatement
1/ə mˈæstɚpˌis əv ˈʌndɚstˌeɪtmənt/
idiom
a very extreme understatement
Used when someone’s words make something big or very serious sound small, and this understatement is especially strong or clear.
Examples
- Calling the storm "a bit of rain" was a masterpiece of understatement.
- Saying she was "a little upset" after losing her job is a masterpiece of understatement.
- Describing the final exam as "not too hard" turned out to be a masterpiece of understatement.