classic Meaning & Definition
What Does Classic Mean?
Classic is an adjective that means serving as a standard of excellence. It is also used to mean traditional, enduring. As a noun, it means a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome.
Classic in Brief
| Part of speech | adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈkla-sik/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | standard, classical and archetypal |
| Antonyms | bad, low-grade and poor |
| Plural | classics |
| Comparative / superlative | more classic, most classic |
Classic Definition (Adjective)
- serving as a standard of excellence : of recognized value
classic literary works / a classic case study on hysteria
- traditional, enduring
classic designs
- characterized by simple tailored lines in fashion year after year
a classic suit
- of or relating to the ancient Greeks and Romans or their culture : classical
- historically memorable
a classic battle
- noted because of special literary or historical associations
Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates
- authentic, authoritative
a classic study of eyewitness accounts
- typical
a classic example of chicanery / a classic error
- of or relating to the period of highest development of Mesoamerican and especially Mayan culture about a.d. 300–900
Classic as a Noun
- a literary work of ancient Greece or Rome
studied the classics in college
- a work of enduring excellence
His manual of biology has become a classic among scientists.
- its author
He had already become a classic many years before his death.
- an authoritative source
- a typical or perfect example
His march through the wilderness of Maine has been regarded as a classic of perseverance.
- a traditional event
a football classic
Synonyms of Classic
Antonyms of Classic
Classic in a Sentence
He has a classic case of narcissism.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic 1960 novel by Harper Lee.
watching classic movies as a hobby
Users who dislike the new visual layout can return to classic mode.
It was classic—the way she slipped on a banana peel while she was telling us all to be careful!
classic literary works
a classic case study on hysteria
classic designs
a classic suit
a classic battle
Paris is the classic refuge of expatriates
a classic study of eyewitness accounts
a classic example of chicanery
a classic error
studied the classics in college
His manual of biology has become a classic among scientists.
He had already become a classic many years before his death.
His march through the wilderness of Maine has been regarded as a classic of perseverance.
a football classic
classic designs in furniture that never go out of style
one of the really classic comedies in the history of movies
the anthropologist noted the classic facial features of the inhabitants of those islands
the classic study of the alienation of the individual in modern urban society
among women who have devoted themselves to a life of scientific inquiry, Marie Curie is one of the acknowledged classics
the works of Michelangelo are regarded as classics of the sculptor's art
his journey of discovery was a classic of arduous effort and fierce determination
classic literary works / a classic case study on hysteria
a classic example of chicanery / a classic error
Word Forms & Grammar
Classic
classic
classics
classic (comparative more classic, superlative most classic)
classic (plural classics)
Words That Rhyme With Classic
Origin of Classic
Origin 1: French or Latin; French classique, from Latin classicus of the highest class of Roman citizens, of the first rank, from classis see class:1
Origin 2: From French classique, from Latin classic(us) (“relating to the classes of Roman citizenry, especially the highest”), from classis. By surface analysis, class + -ic. Piecewise doublet of classy.
First Known Use
1597
1684
How to Pronounce Classic
You say classic as /ˈkla-sik/. It has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (kla).
Classic: Your Questions Answered
Is classic an adjective or a noun?
Classic is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for classic?
Close synonyms of classic are standard, classical and archetypal. See the full list of classic synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of classic?
The opposite of classic can be expressed with words like bad, low-grade, poor and substandard.
What is the plural of classic?
The plural of classic is classics.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of classic?
The comparative form is more classic and the superlative form is most classic.