classical
gb/klˈæsɪkəl/ us/klˈæsɪkəl/
A2
English
~ 2600
antik, ókori görög-római, klasszikus, komolyzenei, hagyományos
B1
1
antik
B2
Usage pattern:
[something] is classical
The museum has a large collection of classical sculptures.
A múzeumban nagy gyűjtemény található antik szobrokból.
She studied classical literature at university.
Az egyetemen ókori görög-római irodalmat tanult.
The building's design is inspired by classical architecture.
Classical mythology is full of fascinating stories.
Many modern plays are based on classical themes.
Learner examples
I read a book about classical history.
Olvastam egy könyvet az ókori görög-római történelemről.
We saw a film about classical Rome.
Láttunk egy filmet az ókori Rómáról.
He likes classical stories from Greece.
Classical buildings are very beautiful.
Classical art is very old.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'classical' with 'classic'. 'Classic' means 'excellent' or 'typical', while 'classical' refers to ancient Greek or Roman culture or traditional forms of art and music.
Meaning
Of ancient Greece or Rome
Collocations
classical architecture
|classical literature
|classical civilization
|classical mythology
Synonyms
ancient (More general; refers to any very old period, not specifically Greece or Rome.)
Antonyms
modern (Refers to recent times and contemporary styles, the opposite of ancient.)
Themes
history
|art
|literature
|arts_entertainment
|education
Definition
About the culture, art, or ideas from ancient Greece or Rome.
Relating to the culture, art, architecture, or literature of ancient Greece or Rome.
A2
2
klasszikus
A2
komolyzenei
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone] plays classical [instrument]
She has been training in classical piano for ten years.
Tíz éve klasszikus zongorát tanul.
The festival features both jazz and classical performances.
A fesztiválon jazz- és klasszikus zenei előadások is szerepelnek.
He prefers classical composers like Mozart and Beethoven.
Classical music can be very relaxing.
They attended a classical concert at the opera house.
Learner examples
I like classical music.
Szeretem a klasszikus zenét.
He plays classical guitar.
Klasszikus gitáron játszik.
We went to a classical concert.
She listens to classical songs every night.
Classical music is quiet and slow.
Common mistake:
Learners may say 'classic music' instead of 'classical music'. 'Classic' is incorrect in this context.
Meaning
Of Western art music tradition
Collocations
classical music
|classical composer
|classical pianist
|classical concert
Synonyms
orchestral (Focuses specifically on music performed by an orchestra; not all classical music is orchestral.)
Antonyms
popular (Refers to mainstream contemporary music styles like pop, rock, etc., which contrast with classical music.)
Themes
music
|art
|arts_entertainment
Definition
About a type of serious music played with instruments like violins and pianos, often from Europe in the past.
Relating to the formal tradition of European art music, especially from the late 18th to early 19th centuries, and more broadly to similar orchestral and instrumental music.
B2
3
klasszikus
B1
hagyományos
A2
Usage pattern:
[something] is classical in style
The painting was done in a classical style.
A festmény klasszikus stílusban készült.
His writing follows the classical structure of tragedy.
Írásai a tragédia klasszikus szerkezetét követik.
The chef uses a classical approach to French cuisine.
This building showcases classical design principles.
Classical ballet requires years of training.
Learner examples
This is a classical style of painting.
Ez klasszikus festészeti stílus.
The dance is very classical.
A tánc nagyon klasszikus jellegű.
He likes the classical way of cooking.
They use a classical method for building houses.
The school teaches in a classical way.
Meaning
Traditional in style or form
Collocations
classical style
|classical approach
|classical design
Synonyms
traditional (More general; can apply to customs and practices beyond art or formal systems.)
Antonyms
experimental (Refers to new, innovative styles that break traditional rules.)
Themes
art
|culture
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Done in a traditional way that follows old rules or styles.
Following established and traditional rules or styles in art, literature, or other fields.
B2
4
klasszikus
B1
Usage pattern:
a classical [example/case] of [something]
This is a classical example of how supply and demand works.
Ez klasszikus példa arra, hogyan működik a kereslet és a kínálat.
The novel is a classical piece of detective fiction.
A regény a detektívirodalom klasszikus darabja.
Her speech is a classical case of political rhetoric.
This theory is based on classical logic.
The experiment follows the classical model.
Learner examples
It is a classical example of good work.
Ez klasszikus példa a jól végzett munkára.
This story is a classical case of love and loss.
Ez a történet a szerelem és a veszteség klasszikus esete.
We learned about a classical example in science class.
This is a classical way to solve the problem.
That book is a classical case in history.
Meaning
Typical and enduring example
Collocations
classical example
|classical case
Synonyms
quintessential (Emphasizes being the purest or most typical form of something.)
Antonyms
atypical (Not representative or typical of its kind.)
Themes
core_vocabulary
Definition
Seen as a perfect example that stays good over time.
Considered a perfect example of something that has lasting value or style over time.
Grammar
Dictionary form
classical
IPA
GB/klˈæsɪkəl/
US/klˈæsɪkəl/
Syllables & stress
clas - sic - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (clas)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: classical
Word family
Related words
classify
verb B1
classification
noun B1
Advanced or less common
classicism
noun
classicist
noun
neoclassical
adjective
Expressions
classical architecture
1/klˈæsɪkəl ˈɑɹkɪtˌɛkt͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
Architecture based on Greek/Roman style
A style of building design from ancient Greece and Rome, with columns and symmetry.
Examples
- The city hall was built in the style of classical architecture.
- Classical architecture often features tall columns and domes.
classical literature
1/klˈæsɪkəl lˈɪtɚət͡ʃɚ/
fixed phrase
Ancient Greek or Roman literature
Books and poems from ancient Greece and Rome, or written in their style.
Examples
- He majored in classical literature at college.
- Classical literature includes works by Homer and Virgil.
classical music
1/klˈæsɪkəl mjˈuzɪk/
fixed phrase
European art music tradition
A type of serious music from Europe in the past, played with instruments like violins and pianos.
Examples
- I enjoy listening to classical music while studying.
- She has been performing classical music since she was a child.