classic
gb/klˈæsɪk/ us/klˈæsɪk/
B1
English
~ 1400
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
excellent and lasting in value
Very good and important for a long time.
Usage pattern:
a classic [example/book/movie/etc.]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'classic' with 'classical'; 'classical' usually refers to traditional forms in art or music, not just high quality or timelessness.
Synonyms
timeless (Emphasizes that something remains relevant or appealing over time.)
Antonyms
forgettable (Suggests lacking lasting impact or value.)
Collocations
classic example
|classic novel
|classic design
|classic movie
|classic style
Themes
culture
|arts
|evaluation
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Casablanca is considered a classic film of the 1940s.
- This painting is a classic example of impressionism.
- Her outfit had a classic elegance that never goes out of style.
- It's a classic case of poor planning leading to failure.
Learner examples
- That book is a classic story.
- This is a classic movie from the 1980s.
- Paris is a classic place to visit.
- This is a classic example of a mistake.
adjective
B1
property
2
typical of a situation or category
Very typical for a kind of thing or situation.
Usage pattern:
a classic [mistake/case/symptom/etc.]
Synonyms
typical (Focuses on being representative rather than on quality or value.)
Antonyms
unusual (Suggests something not typical or expected.)
Collocations
classic mistake
|classic case
|classic symptom
|classic example
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Forgetting to save your work is a classic mistake.
- This is a classic symptom of the disease.
- It's a classic case of too little, too late.
- His response was a classic example of evasion.
Learner examples
- It was a classic mistake to leave the door open.
- This is a classic problem in math.
- That is a classic case of bad luck.
- This is a classic symptom of the flu.
Noun
B1
entity
3
famous and enduring work of art or literature
A book, film, song, or other work that people think is very good and important for a long time.
Usage pattern:
[something] is a classic
Synonyms
masterpiece (Often implies unmatched skill, not just enduring popularity.)
Antonyms
flop (Refers to something that fails commercially or critically.)
Collocations
literary classic
|film classic
|music classic
Themes
arts
|culture
|arts_entertainment
|education
Examples
- Moby-Dick is an American literary classic.
- That album has become a rock classic.
- The film quickly became a modern classic.
Learner examples
- This book is a classic.
- That movie is a classic from my childhood.
- The song is now a classic.
adjective
B2
property
4
relating to ancient Greece or Rome
About the old culture, art, and writing from ancient Greece or Rome.
Usage pattern:
classic [architecture/art/literature/etc.]
Synonyms
ancient Greek and Roman (Specifically indicates historical period and location.)
Antonyms
modern (Refers to contemporary times rather than ancient history.)
Collocations
classic architecture
|classic literature
|classic civilization
Themes
history
|arts
|arts_entertainment
|education
Examples
- The museum has an impressive collection of classic sculptures.
- She studied classic literature at university.
- The building's design was inspired by classic architecture.
Learner examples
- We saw classic buildings in Rome.
- He reads classic stories from Greece.
- The art is from the classic period.
Grammar
Dictionary form
classic
IPA
GB/klˈæsɪk/
US/klˈæsɪk/
Syllables & stress
clas - sic (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (clas)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: classic
Noun
- Base: classic
- Plural: classics
Word family
Forms
classics
noun
Core family
classical
adjective B1
classically
adverb
Advanced or less common
classicist
noun
classicism
noun
Expressions
a classic example of [something]
1/ə klˈæsɪk ɪɡzˈæmpəl əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
typical case illustrating something clearly
A very clear and typical case that shows what something is like.
Examples
- This is a classic example of why you should double-check your work.
- The painting is a classic example of her early style.
a modern classic
1/ə mˈɑdɚn klˈæsɪk/
fixed phrase
recent work with lasting value status
A new book, film, or song that people think will stay famous and loved for many years.
Examples
- The film quickly became known as a modern classic.
- Her 2005 album is now considered a modern classic.
an instant classic
1/ən ˈɪnstənt klˈæsɪk/
fixed phrase
immediately recognized as excellent and enduring
Something that people right away think will be famous and loved for a long time.
Examples
- Her debut novel was an instant classic among critics.
- The match was so exciting that it became an instant classic.