opus
/ˈəʊpəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈəʊpəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈō-pəs/ (ame, mw)
opus — noun
- opussingular
- operaplural
1. a musical work, especially in classical music, that is identified by a number in
a musical work, especially in classical music, that is identified by a number in a composer's published list.
The programme lists the quartet as the composer's Opus 18.
list a work as Opus + number
In class, Theo compared Beethoven's early opus with his final quartet.
compare an early opus with a later work
The conductor chose a short opus the youth orchestra could learn quickly.
Critics praised Adina's first opus for its bold rhythm and clear form.
- composition
the most neutral music term, without the numbered-catalogue idea
- piece
broader and more everyday than opus
- work
formal and broad, used beyond music as well
文法句型
someone's + opus
Opus + number
early/final opus
用法筆記
Mostly used in classical music writing, often after a composer's name or beside a number. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense refers to a specific musical piece in a catalogue, not to an important artistic work in general.
常見錯誤
2. an important artistic or literary work, often one seen as a creator's major achi
an important artistic or literary work, often one seen as a creator's major achievement.
Reviewers called Megan's final film the most personal opus of her career.
opus for a creator's major work
After ten years, Bilal published the history book he considered his opus.
consider something one's opus
The museum presented the mural as Feng's central opus from the 1990s.
Many readers still see the seven-volume series as Apinya's greatest opus.
- work
the broad everyday choice, with no special claim of importance
- creation
highlights the act of making rather than the work's status
- masterpiece
stronger, because it says the work is outstanding
文法句型
someone's + opus
consider + something + an opus
final/greatest opus
用法筆記
Used mainly in reviews, essays, and formal discussion of books, films, music, or other large creative projects. It usually suggests weight or lasting importance, so it sounds too grand for an ordinary task or a short piece.