WordGarden.iomaster
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɑːstə/
US
- /ˈmæstər/
Meanings
Verb
to learn or become highly skilled in something
to bring something under control or overcome it
Noun
a person with exceptional skill or command in a field
an original recording, file, or copy used to make duplicates
a person who has authority over another, especially in historical slavery or service
Adjective
chief, principal, or controlling within a set
Beyond the definition
To be a master of something is not just to be good at it. It means having deep skill and full control. Think of a chess master, calmly planning each move, or the master of a ship, guiding it through rough seas. The word can also mean a person with authority, such as a teacher of apprentices, and it appears in historical contexts about ownership and power. It can also be an old-fashioned title for a boy, or the name of a graduate degree, like a Master's degree.
You might master a new skill through practice and patience, slowly becoming an expert. Sometimes a feeling can master you too, like fear taking over in a dangerous moment. The word has a sense of effort, ability, and sometimes power.
The word "master" holds layers of meaning, stemming from its roots in authority and control. At its core, a master is someone exceptionally skilled in a particular art, craft, or field. Think of Leonardo da Vinci as a master painter or a seasoned chef as a master of cuisine. To master something (the verb) means to gain complete knowledge or proficiency through dedicated practice, as in: "She spent years mastering the violin."
However, "master" is not limited to talent. It can refer to someone who has control over others, historically associated with ownership and power. This meaning appears in phrases like "slave master," reflecting a dark chapter of history. In less harmful uses, it can refer to the captain of a merchant ship or a teacher in certain traditional school settings. It is also the name of an academic degree, representing a level of graduate study above a bachelor's but below a doctorate.
In social etiquette, "Master" was traditionally used as a title of respect when addressing young boys, such as "Master Thomas," though this is now quite formal and somewhat archaic. Figuratively, the word can describe being overcome or dominated emotionally or mentally: "Fear mastered him" suggests that anxiety completely took control.
Finally, in technical and creative contexts, "master" refers to an original copy from which others are made—a master recording of a song or a master key that opens all doors. Whether it refers to skill, control, respect, or an original source, "master" is a powerful word that speaks to the ability to shape one's world.
Examples
- 1
Arts teacher
She studied with a master of Japanese calligraphy.
- 2
Chess rank
It takes years to become a chess master.
- 3
Skill learning
He finally mastered the basic steps after a few lessons.
- 4
Software skill
You need to master the software before the project starts.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Strong ability
She is a master at staying calm under pressure.
- Patterna master at + activity
very good at doing it
- 6
Pet owner
The dog ran to its master when it heard his voice.
- Usagea pet's master
its owner; this use can sound a little old-fashioned
- 7
Graduate degree
He started a master's degree in public health.
- Phrasea master's degree
a university degree after a bachelor's degree
- 8
Original copy
Keep the master copy in a safe folder.
- Phrasemaster copy
the original version used to make other copies
- 9
Building access
A master key can open every apartment in the building.
- Phrasemaster key
a key that opens many locks
- 10
Long-term planning
The city followed a master plan for the new park.
- Phrasemaster plan
the main long-term plan for a place or project
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- masternounverbadjective
Forms
- masterspluralnounverbadjective
- masteredpast tenseverbnounadjective
- mastering-ing formverbnounadjective