Etymology Map
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Opus

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a musical composition

Where does the word "opus" come from? It comes from Latin opus, adopted directly into English (1800s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
opus
Latin · ancient
"work"
the root of 'opera' and 'operate'
2
Stage 2 of 2
opus
English · 1800s
"musical work"
'magnum opus' means great work
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Read the full story

Opus’s story begins in Latin: opus meant “work.” The root of 'opera' and 'operate'. It reached English by 1800s as opus. 'magnum opus' means great work. Today, opus means a musical composition.