classical
gb/klˈæsɪkəl/ us/klˈæsɪkəl/
A2
English
~ 2600
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Of ancient Greece or Rome
About the culture, art, or ideas from ancient Greece or Rome.
Usage pattern:
[something] is classical
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.
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.)
Collocations
classical architecture
|classical literature
|classical civilization
|classical mythology
Themes
history
|art
|literature
|arts_entertainment
|education
Examples
- The museum has a large collection of classical sculptures.
- She studied classical literature at university.
- 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.
- We saw a film about classical Rome.
- He likes classical stories from Greece.
- Classical buildings are very beautiful.
- Classical art is very old.
adjective
A2
property
2
Of Western art music tradition
About a type of serious music played with instruments like violins and pianos, often from Europe in the past.
Usage pattern:
[someone] plays classical [instrument]
Common mistake:
Learners may say 'classic music' instead of 'classical music'. 'Classic' is incorrect in this context.
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.)
Collocations
classical music
|classical composer
|classical pianist
|classical concert
Themes
music
|art
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- She has been training in classical piano for ten years.
- The festival features both jazz and classical performances.
- 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.
- He plays classical guitar.
- We went to a classical concert.
- She listens to classical songs every night.
- Classical music is quiet and slow.
adjective
B2
property
3
Traditional in style or form
Done in a traditional way that follows old rules or styles.
Usage pattern:
[something] is classical in style
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.)
Collocations
classical style
|classical approach
|classical design
Themes
art
|culture
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The painting was done in a classical style.
- His writing follows the classical structure of tragedy.
- 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.
- The dance is very classical.
- He likes the classical way of cooking.
- They use a classical method for building houses.
- The school teaches in a classical way.
adjective
B2
property
4
Typical and enduring example
Seen as a perfect example that stays good over time.
Usage pattern:
a classical [example/case] of [something]
Synonyms
quintessential (Emphasizes being the purest or most typical form of something.)
Antonyms
atypical (Not representative or typical of its kind.)
Collocations
classical example
|classical case
Themes
core_vocabulary
Examples
- This is a classical example of how supply and demand works.
- The novel is a classical piece of detective fiction.
- 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.
- This story is a classical case of love and loss.
- 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.
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.