opus
Definitions
An artistic work, especially a musical composition numbered in a composer's output.
（音乐或艺术）作品，尤指按编号排列的音乐作品。
A major creative achievement (often 'magnum opus').
（重大的）创作成就（常作 magnum opus，代表作）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedopus is the Latin word at the heart of this whole family — it simply means 'a work.' English borrowed it unchanged for the 'created work' branch: a numbered composition (Opus 27) or, in 'magnum opus,' a creator's greatest single work.
Root oper still carries 16 more wordsWhy It Means This
opus is the noun ancestor of operate, cooperate, and the rest — but while those words developed the 'working' sense, opus kept the original 'finished work' sense. That's why it sits in the artistic branch: a composer's Opus 9 is the ninth work they produced. The plural is the Latin 'opera' — which is also where the musical 'opera' comes from.
Common Collocations
- 1.magnum opus代表作（巨著）
- 2.literary opus文学作品
- 3.great opus伟大作品
Example Sentences
- 1.
The symphony is listed as Opus 21 in his catalogue.
- 2.
The novel is widely regarded as her magnum opus.