Classic
/ˈklæsɪk/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving recognized excellence and enduring appeal; representing the highest standard of its kind.
/ˈklæsɪk/
Of the highest quality, or of a well-established genre that has stood the test of time.
That's a classic example of a mistake.
💡 Simply: A classic is something really, really good that people still love a long, long time later. Like a super cool old movie or an awesome song that never gets old!
👶 For kids: Something really great that everyone loves!
More Examples
It's a classic car.
How It's Used
"Tolstoy's 'War and Peace' is considered a classic novel."
"'Casablanca' is a classic film."
A work of art, literature, music, etc., that has been widely admired for its enduring quality.
/ˈklæsɪk/
A work of acknowledged excellence that has stood the test of time.
This painting is a classic.
💡 Simply: A classic is something amazing and special that people still appreciate years and years later, like a super popular movie or a really famous painting.
👶 For kids: Something really old and still really cool!
More Examples
She's studying the classics in college.
How It's Used
"Shakespeare's plays are considered classics."
"The Mona Lisa is a classic of Renaissance art."
Idioms & expressions
a classic case of
A prime or typical example of something.
"This is a classic case of procrastination."
From Latin *classicus, meaning "of the first class," referring to citizens of the highest rank in ancient Rome. Later applied to authors and works of the highest quality.
The word's usage evolved from its original meaning in ancient Rome, where it denoted a person of high social standing, to its modern connotation of superior quality and lasting appeal.
Memory tip
Think 'classical music' – it's timeless and top-notch.
Word Origin
"of the first class"