classic
pronunciation
How to pronounce classic in British English:
UK [ˈklæsɪk]
How to pronounce classic in American English:
US [ˈklæsɪk]
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- Noun:
- a creation of the highest excellence
- an artist who has created classic works
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- Adjective:
- characteristic of the classical artistic and literary traditions
- adhering to established standards and principles
Word Origin
- classic (adj.)
- 1610s, "of the highest class; approved as a model," from French classique (17c.), from Latin classicus "relating to the (highest) classes of the Roman people," hence, "superior," from classis (see class). Originally in English, "of the first class;" meaning "belonging to standard authors of Greek and Roman antiquity" is attested from 1620s.
- classic (n.)
- "a Greek or Roman writer or work," 1711, from classic (adj.). So, by mid-19c., any work in any context held to have a similar quality or relationship. In classical Latin noun use of classicus meant "a Marine" (miles classicus) from the "military division" sense of classis.
Example
- 1. A classic case is the mobile phone .
- 2. E-mail messaging and telephones are classic examples .
- 3. The latest development out of china was a classic case of good news / bad news .
- 4. Signs of a classic liquidity trap are everywhere .
- 5. Don 't you like classic music ?