Master
/ˈmɑːstər/
Definitions
3 meaningsA person with control or authority over others; a skilled practitioner of an art or activity.
/ˈmɑːstər/
A person who has authority over others.
The master of the house greeted us at the door.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a LEGO castle. The person who's in charge and knows all the best techniques for building it is the master. The ship's captain is the master.
👶 For kids: The boss, or someone who's really, really good at something.
More Examples
She is a master of the piano.
The ship's master navigated through the storm.
How It's Used
"The ship's master gave orders to the crew."
"He is the master of his own company."
"A teacher who can master difficult concepts and simplify them for students."
To become skillful at something; to gain complete control or understanding.
/ˈmɑːstər/
To become skilled at something.
It takes years to master a musical instrument.
💡 Simply: Think of learning how to ride a bike. When you can ride it without falling, you've mastered it! To master means to become really good at something.
👶 For kids: To learn how to do something perfectly.
More Examples
She mastered the technique after much practice.
He worked hard to master the complex equations.
How It's Used
"She has mastered the art of negotiation."
"He aims to master the new software before the project deadline."
"The coder mastered the art of writing advanced codes."
Possessing or showing great skill or expertise; superior.
/ˈmɑːstər/
Superior, skilled, or commanding.
He gave a master performance in the play.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite artist's best painting: that's a master work. It's the most excellent and skilled thing they've done!
👶 For kids: The best or most excellent.
More Examples
She has a master plan to solve the problem.
The master chef created a delicious meal.
How It's Used
"The master bedroom in the house is very spacious."
"She is a master painter."
"He showed a master touch in the sport."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
master of ceremonies
The person who leads and introduces speakers at a formal event.
"The master of ceremonies welcomed everyone to the gala."
master key
A key that opens many different locks.
"The hotel manager had the master key to all the rooms."
master bedroom
The largest and often most luxurious bedroom in a house.
"The house had a large master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom."
From Old French *maistre* (masculine) and *maistresse* (feminine), from Latin *magister* ('teacher, master, helmsman').
The word 'master' has been used for centuries, evolving from a term for someone in authority to encompass skill and expertise.
Memory tip
Think of a skilled artisan or a captain of a ship.
Word Origin
"magister (teacher, master)"