MAS-tur-pees
/ˈmæstɚˌpis/
masterpiece is pronounced MAS-tur-pees (/ˈmæstɚˌpis/). A work of outstanding quality or artistry, typically considered the best example of a creator’s skill. In everyday use, it denotes a singular achievement that stands out from others and is often celebrated for its technical prowess, creativity, or emotional impact.
A work of outstanding quality or artistry, typically considered the best example of a creator’s skill. In everyday use, it denotes a singular achievement that stands out from others and is often celebrated for its technical prowess, creativity, or emotional impact.
- Misplacing stress on the second syllable (mas-ter-PEECE) or flattening the first syllable; practice with the strong first syllable and clear second stress on -piece. - Slurring the /t/ in American speech; keep the /t/ light but audible before /ɹ/ or /ər/. - Shortening the final /iːs/ to /ɪs/; ensure the long /iː/ and final /s/ are maintained.
"Her latest painting is a true masterpiece, showcasing meticulous technique and emotional depth."
"The film was a masterpiece, weaving intricate storytelling with stunning cinematography."
"To call that concert a masterpiece would be an understatement; every moment felt flawless."
Pronounced /ˈmæstərˌpiːs/ (US) or /ˈmɑː.stəˌpiːs/ (UK). Primary stress on the first syllable: MAS-ter-. The final syllable is a tense /piːs/ as in “peace.” Tip: keep the /t/ light after /s/ and ensure the /r/ is an American or rhotic /ɹ/ or non-rhotic depending on accent. Audio references: you can compare with Cambridge/Forvo pronunciations or Pronounce.
Common errors: misplacing stress (say MAS-ter-peice); mispronouncing the second syllable as /tər/ or /tər/ with softness; truncating the final -piece into /pis/ or dropping the /ə/ in the middle. Corrections: pronounce /ˈmæstərˌpiːs/ with clear schwa in the second syllable: /ˈmæs.tər/; keep the /p/ aspirated before /iː/; ensure the final /s/ is crisp.
US: rhotic /ɹ/ in the second syllable; UK: non-rhotic, /ˈmɑː.stə.piːs/ with a shorter second syllable; AU: similar to UK but with slightly broader vowel qualities; non-rhotic tendency persists. The first syllable vowels differ (æ vs ɑː), and the final /iːs/ tends to be a tense 'ee' in all. IPA references align with regional dictionaries.
The difficulty lies in balancing the consonant cluster after the second syllable, keeping the /t/ air flow managed before /ər/. Also, the long /iː/ in the final syllable requires tension control to avoid a clipped ending. Coordinating the two-stress pattern and the non-alternating vowel in the middle can challenge non-native speakers.
No, there are no silent letters in 'masterpiece'. All letters contribute to sounds: /ˈmæstərˌpiːs/. The 'e' in -piece is part of the long /iː/ vowel, not silent.
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- US: rhotic /ɹ/ in second syllable; keep tension in the tongue for /ˌpiː/ to maintain length. - UK: less rhotic; second syllable may be reduced; focus on /ˈmɑː.stə.piːs/ and use a flat, clipped /ˈmɑː/. - AU: similar to UK but with slightly broader vowel qualities; avoid over-enunciating the /ɹ/ if not needed; still maintain the long /iː/.
Masterpiece derives from the phrase master + piece, where master originally intended a skilled craftsman or artisan and piece signified a finished item or work. The term began in English during the 16th-17th centuries, reflecting the idea of a craftsman producing a ‘master’ example among their works. Early references treated a masterpiece as the principal work of a master, often in art or guild contexts. Over time, the meaning broadened from a single exceptional item to any product of outstanding quality in any field, including literature, music, cinema, and science. The word’s connotation emphasizes exceptional skill and virtuosity, sometimes implying a standard by which lesser works are judged. First known uses appear in general literary and guild records from the Renaissance onward, with later popularization in criticism and marketing as the concept of ‘a landmark achievement’ became ubiquitous in modern culture.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "masterpiece" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "masterpiece" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "masterpiece"
-ece sounds
-ase sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
