Classic
Definition
Classic is an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it describes something of lasting value, recognized quality, or a representative of the highest standard in its category. As a noun, it refers to an exemplary work of literature, art, music, or film, or something that has a long-lasting influence or popularity.
Parts of Speech
- Adjective
- Noun
Pronunciation
American English
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklæsɪk/
- Respelling: KLAS-ik
British English
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklæsɪk/
- Respelling: KLAS-ik
Etymology
The word "classic" originates from the Latin "classicus," meaning "belonging to a class or division of society," especially denoting the highest rank. Over time, it evolved to mean "of the highest quality" in English, coming to represent excellence and timeless value in works of art, literature, and other fields.
Derivatives
- Classical (adjective)
- Classicism (noun)
- Classicist (noun)
- Classically (adverb)
- Reclassicize (verb)
Synonyms
- Timeless
- Enduring
- Iconic
Antonyms
- Modern
- Contemporary
- Novel
Usage
The adjective "classic" is frequently used to describe works of art, literature, fashion, or music that are highly regarded and enduring, such as "a classic novel" or "a classic design." As a noun, it denotes exemplary works or models, such as "This film is a classic of the genre."
Related Terms
- Antique: Something valuable and old, often collected for its historic significance.
- Vintage: Denoting high-quality items from the past, especially in fashion or cars.
- Masterpiece: An outstanding work of art, literature, or music.
Detailed Definitions
Adjective
- Of recognized value and enduring quality: Describes something highly esteemed and long-lasting in its appeal.
- Example: "The little black dress is a classic style."
- Traditional or typical: Refers to something that exemplifies the main characteristics of a category or style.
- Example: "He has a classic approach to storytelling."
Noun
- A work of literature, art, music, or film of lasting significance: Describes a piece recognized for its high quality and lasting impact.
- Example: "Shakespeare's plays are considered classics of English literature."
- A standard or model of excellence: Refers to something held as a benchmark in its field.
- Example: "This car is a true classic in automotive history."
classic
He drives a classic car that he inherited from his grandfather.
Pride and Prejudice is a classic of English literature.
His proposal was a classic example of romance.
🇨🇳 Mandarin (Chinese)
- 经典 (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /t͡ɕiŋ˨˩˦ tjɛn˥/
- Respelling in English: jīngdiǎn
- 典型 (referring to something typical)
- IPA Pronunciation: /djɛn˥˩ ɕiŋ˥˥/
- Respelling in English: diǎnxíng
🇮🇳 Hindi
- शास्त्रीय (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ʃɑːstriːj/
- Respelling in English: shāstrīya
- पारंपरिक (referring to something typical/traditional)
- IPA Pronunciation: /paːɾəmpərik/
- Respelling in English: pāraṃparik
🇪🇸 Spanish
- Clásico (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklasiko/
- Respelling in English: clásico
- Típico (referring to something typical)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtipiko/
- Respelling in English: típico
🇫🇷 French
- Classique (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /klasik/
- Respelling in English: classique
- Typique (referring to something typical)
- IPA Pronunciation: /tipik/
- Respelling in English: typique
🇸🇦 Modern Standard Arabic
- كلاسيكي (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /klaːsiːkiː/
- Respelling in English: klāsīkī
- نموذجي (referring to something typical)
- IPA Pronunciation: /namuːð̣aʒiː/
- Respelling in English: namūḏhaji
🇧🇩 Bengali
- শাস্ত্রীয় (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ʃastriːjo/
- Respelling in English: shāstrīyô
- প্রতিষ্ঠানিক (referring to something typical/traditional)
- IPA Pronunciation: /prɵtiʃʈʰanik/
- Respelling in English: prôtiṣṭhānik
🇷🇺 Russian
- Классический (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklasʲɪt͡ɕskʲɪj/
- Respelling in English: klassicheskiy
- Типичный (referring to something typical)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtʲipʲɪt͡ɕnɨj/
- Respelling in English: tipichniy
🇵🇹 Portuguese
- Clássico (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklasiku/
- Respelling in English: clássico
- Típico (referring to something typical)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtipiku/
- Respelling in English: típico
🇮🇩 Indonesian
- Klasik (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklasik/
- Respelling in English: klasik
- Tipikal (referring to something typical)
- IPA Pronunciation: /tipiˈkal/
- Respelling in English: tipikal
🇩🇪 German
- Klassisch (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklasɪʃ/
- Respelling in English: klassisch
- Typisch (referring to something typical)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtyːpɪʃ/
- Respelling in English: typisch
🇯🇵 Japanese
- クラシック (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /kɯɾaɕikku/
- Respelling in English: kurashikku
- 典型的な (referring to something typical)
- IPA Pronunciation: /teŋkei teki na/
- Respelling in English: tenkei teki na
🇻🇳 Vietnamese
- Cổ điển (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /ko˧˩˧ djən˨˩/
- Respelling in English: cổ điển
- Điển hình (referring to something typical)
- IPA Pronunciation: /djən˨˩ hɪŋ˧˥/
- Respelling in English: điển hình
🇰🇷 Korean
- 클래식 (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /kʰlɛːɕikʰ/
- Respelling in English: keullaesik
- 전형적인 (referring to something typical)
- IPA Pronunciation: /dʑʌn.hjʌŋ.dʑʌ.ɡin/
- Respelling in English: jeonhyeongjeogin
🇹🇷 Turkish
- Klasik (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /klasik/
- Respelling in English: klasik
- Tipik (referring to something typical)
- IPA Pronunciation: /tipik/
- Respelling in English: tipik
🇵🇰 Urdu
- کلاسیک (referring to a work of recognized and established value)
- IPA Pronunciation: /klaːsik/
- Respelling in English: klāsik
- معمولی (referring to something typical)
- IPA Pronunciation: /maʕmuːliː/
- Respelling in English: ma'mooli
