B2noun1K

Master

UK /["/ˈmɑːstə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈmæstər/"]/

Definition

a man who has people working for him, often as servants in his home

In simple words: Someone very skilled or good at something.

Examples

  • She is a master of classical music, having studied for over a decade.
  • The master of the house welcomed us with a warm smile.
  • To truly master a skill, one must practice consistently.
  • He is a master in the art of negotiation, always getting the best deals.
  • The master race concept has been discredited and rejected by most societies.

Usage notes

Use 'master' when referring to a person who has complete control or skill in a field. It's appropriate in formal and informal contexts but can be seen as overly formal in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

master + object

Memory hint

Think of 'master' as 'the one who masters the task' — like a wizard mastering magic.

Collocations

  • political
  • colonial
  • slave
  • obey
  • please
  • serve
  • master of
  • political
  • colonial
  • slave
  • obey
  • please
  • serve
  • master of
  • acknowledged
  • great
  • undisputed
  • builder
  • craftsman
  • painter
  • master of
  • be a past master at something
  • be a past master of something
  • do
  • study for
  • take
  • degree
  • thesis
  • master in
  • do
  • study for
  • take
  • degree
  • thesis
  • master in
  • political
  • colonial
  • slave
  • obey
  • please
  • serve
  • master of

Synonyms

  • expert
  • guru
  • proficient
  • ace
  • maestro

Antonyms

  • apprentice
  • novice
  • amateur

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'mastery' which is the state of being skilled.
  • Using 'master' inappropriately as a verb without context.
  • Assuming 'master' must refer to a male.