different between masterpiece vs works

English

Alternative forms

• master-piece (obsolete)

Etymology

master +? piece, a calque of Dutch meesterstuk.

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /?mæst??pis/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?m??st??pi?s/

Noun

masterpiece (plural masterpieces)

1. A piece of work that has been given much critical praise, especially one that is considered the greatest work of a person's career.
   • 1911, Saki, The Chronicles of Clovis

     The design, when finally developed, was a slight disappointment to Monsieur Deplis, who had suspected Icarus of being a fortress taken by Wallenstein in the Thirty Years' War, but he was more than satisfied with the execution of the work, which was acclaimed by all who had the privilege of seeing it as Pincini's masterpiece.

2. A work of outstanding creativity, skill or workmanship.
3. A work created in order to qualify as a master craftsman and member of a guild.

Synonyms

• chef d'œuvre
• masterwork

Related terms

• mistresspiece

Translations

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /w??ks/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /w?ks/
• Rhymes: -??(r)ks

Noun

works

1. plural of work in its countable senses

Noun

works pl (plural only)

1. A mechanism or machine; the means by which something happens.

2. A factory or factories, or similar collection(s) of buildings.
3. (with "the") Everything or everything that is available or possible; especially, all available toppings on food.
4. (with "the") Drastic treatment; abuse; the axe (dismissal).

Derived terms

Translations

Verb

works

1. Third-person singular simple present indicative form of work

See also

• all the way
• in the works
• the whole nine yards
• the whole shebang
• the whole shop