classic
KLA-sihk
Classic (adj) means Widely recognised as excellent and enduring; a standard example of its kind. Example: “It's a classic mistake that every beginner makes.”
adj
1
Widely recognised as excellent and enduring; a standard example of its kind.
"It's a classic mistake that every beginner makes."
"The film is considered a classic of British cinema."
"Fish and chips on the beach is a classic British seaside meal."
noun
1
A work — a book, film, song, etc. — of lasting quality and popularity.
"This album is already being called a modern classic."
"That novel has become a classic that students still read today."
"Many people think this old song is a true classic."
How to use classic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething (or someone) so good, typical, or long-standing that it has become a standard or benchmark.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a classic example
an instant classic
a modern classic
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Word forms
- Plural
- classics
- Comparative
- more classic
- Superlative
- most classic
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Can you complete this real example?
It's a _____ mistake that every beginner makes.
Etymology
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.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for classic
See all rhymes for classic →Frequently asked questions
What does “classic” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “classic”?
“Classic” is pronounced KLA-sihk (/ˈklæsɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “classic” in a sentence?
Here is “classic” used in a sentence: “It's a classic mistake that every beginner makes.”
What is another word for “classic”?
Words with a similar meaning to “classic” include classical.
What part of speech is “classic”?
Depending on how it is used, “classic” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “classic” come from?
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.
Is “classic” a common word?
“Classic” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “classic” have?
“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.
What is the difference between classic and classical?
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.
What is an example of a classic?
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.
Is "classic" a compliment?
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.
What is the difference between classic and vintage?
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.
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