magnum opus
Say it: MAG-num OH-pus /ˌmæɡnəm ˈəʊpəs/ · noun phrase
What “magnum opus” means
Someone's greatest and most important work.
More precisely: A person's greatest and most important work.
Example: “The novel she spent ten years on is clearly her magnum opus.”
When to use it
Use it for the finest achievement of an artist, writer or composer. It sounds literary and gives the work great importance.
Memory trick
Latin for “great work”: picture one masterpiece towering over everything else.
Similar words
masterpiece, masterwork, crowning achievement
Where it comes from
Latin, 'great work'.
Quick check
A composer's final symphony is widely regarded as the greatest achievement of her entire career. What would you call it?
her magnum opus or her debut?
Show the answer
her magnum opus
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