Word
opus
US/ˈoʊpəs/
UK/ˈɒpəs/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a major work of art, music, or literature. It is often used to describe a very important or large project that a creator has finished.
n. a creative work, especially a musical composition or a literary production, numbered to indicate the order of a composer's works. Often refers to a large-scale or significant achievement within an artist's career.
Examples
“This symphony is considered the composer's greatest opus.”
“After ten years of research, the professor finally published his historical opus on the industrial revolution.”
“While his early sketches showed promise, it was this sprawling, three-volume opus that secured his reputation as the preeminent novelist of his generation.”
Examples
simple
“This symphony is considered the composer's greatest opus.”
contextual
“After ten years of research, the professor finally published his historical opus on the industrial revolution.”
complex
“While his early sketches showed promise, it was this sprawling, three-volume opus that secured his reputation as the preeminent novelist of his generation.”
Usage
The plural form can be 'opuses' or the Latin 'opera'.
Real-World Examples
“Rejected by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the minimalist dance-pop opus would become the defining song of Kylie’s career.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin opus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/opus