classic

The word “classic” means widely recognised as excellent and enduring; a standard example of its kind. In plain terms, something (or someone) so good, typical, or long-standing that it has become a standard or benchmark.

“Classic” is pronounced KLA-sihk (/ˈklæsɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “classic” used in a sentence: “It's a classic mistake that every beginner makes.”

Words with a similar meaning to “classic” include classical.

Depending on how it is used, “classic” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “classic” comes from Latin. From Latin classicus, originally describing citizens of the highest Roman social class; the sense shifted to mean "of the highest rank" in art and literature.

“Classic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Classic” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: widely recognised as excellent and enduring; a standard example of its kind.

Classic means widely recognised as excellent, enduring, or a standard example of its kind — a classic film, a classic mistake. Classical usually refers to ancient Greece and Rome, or to traditional forms such as classical music and classical architecture. So a classic song is a great one; classical music is a specific genre.

A classic is something so good it lasts. Think of a novel like Pride and Prejudice, a classic car from the 1960s, or a little black dress that never goes out of style. The word also describes typical examples, as in "a classic case" of something behaving exactly as expected.

Usually, yes. Calling something a classic means it is admired and has stood the test of time — high praise for a book, film, or design. Be aware of tone, though: phrases like "that's classic" can be said sarcastically to mean something is typically annoying or predictable.

Classic means excellent and enduring, and does not depend on age — a brand-new design can already be a classic. Vintage specifically means old, from an earlier era, and valued for that age. A car can be both, but "classic" praises the quality while "vintage" simply marks the period.