classy
gb/klˈæsi/ us/klˈæsi/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
stylish and elegant
beautiful and elegant in a good way
Usage pattern:
[clothes/design/place] is classy
Common mistake:
Do not confuse classy with classical (related to old styles, music, art).
Synonyms
elegant (more formal and often more traditional)
|
stylish (focuses on fashion and modern style)
|
tasteful (emphasizes good judgment and restraint)
|
sophisticated (suggests refined, well-developed style)
Antonyms
tacky (shows bad taste in an obvious way)
|
gaudy (too bright or showy)
|
cheap-looking (seems low-quality or poorly made)
Collocations
classy outfit
|classy dress
|classy look
|classy style
|classy design
|classy décor
|classy restaurant
|classy hotel
|classy interior
|classy touch
Themes
fashion
|appearance
|design
|lifestyle
Examples
- She wore a simple black dress that looked really classy.
- The new logo is clean and classy without being boring.
- It’s a classy little restaurant with soft lighting and great service.
Learner examples
- Your jacket looks classy.
- We went to a classy restaurant.
adjective
B2
property
2
polite and well-mannered
polite and not rude
Usage pattern:
[someone/behavior] is classy
Common mistake:
Classy is a compliment; it can also be used sarcastically depending on tone.
Synonyms
polite (basic good manners)
|
gracious (kind and generous, especially under pressure)
|
refined (suggests cultured, careful manners)
|
respectful (emphasizes consideration for others)
Antonyms
rude (not polite; disrespectful)
|
crude (offensive or too direct in a bad way)
|
vulgar (lacking good taste; often sexual or crude)
Collocations
classy person
|classy woman
|classy guy
|classy behavior
|classy response
|classy manner
|classy attitude
Themes
social_life
|behavior
|manners
Examples
- Even when she was criticized, she stayed classy and didn’t insult anyone.
- It wasn’t very classy to laugh at him in front of everyone.
- He gave a classy apology and took full responsibility.
Learner examples
- Please be classy and polite.
- His message was classy.
adjective
B2
property
3
high-quality and impressive
very good and high quality
Usage pattern:
[performance/product/service] is classy
Common mistake:
This sense is about quality or skill, not only about appearance.
Synonyms
top-notch (informal; strongly emphasizes high quality)
|
first-rate (neutral; emphasizes high standard)
|
excellent (general word for very good quality)
|
professional (emphasizes skill and competence)
Antonyms
shoddy (poorly made or done)
|
mediocre (average and not impressive)
|
amateurish (lacking professional skill)
Collocations
classy performance
|classy touch
|classy finish
|classy service
|classy production
|classy presentation
|classy campaign
Themes
evaluation
|arts
|sports
|business
Examples
- That was a classy performance from start to finish.
- The team delivered a classy display of passing and control.
- Their customer support is quick, calm, and genuinely classy.
Learner examples
- The show was classy.
- She gave a classy presentation.
adjective
C1
property
4
upscale or upper-class
expensive-looking; for rich people
Usage pattern:
[area/place/event] is classy
Common mistake:
Classy can suggest ‘upper-class’ without being an exact description of someone’s real social status.
Synonyms
upscale (common and neutral for expensive places or products)
|
posh (more informal; often British)
|
high-end (often used for products and brands)
Antonyms
downmarket (less expensive; aimed at lower budgets)
|
run-down (in poor condition)
|
seedy (suggests a place that feels unsafe or unpleasant)
Collocations
classy neighborhood
|classy part of town
|classy crowd
|classy event
|classy venue
|classy bar
Themes
lifestyle
|society
|money
Examples
- They moved to a classy neighborhood with old trees and big houses.
- The party felt surprisingly classy for a work event.
- It’s a small car, but it has a classy, high-end interior.
Learner examples
- This area looks classy.
- They had a classy party.
adjective
informal
B2
property
5
gracious and fair in competition
kind and respectful, even in competition
Usage pattern:
It was classy of [someone] to [do something]
Common mistake:
Often used about actions (‘It was classy of her...’), not only about people.
Synonyms
sporting (traditional word for fair behavior in sport)
|
gracious (emphasizes kindness and self-control)
|
magnanimous (more formal; generous to an opponent)
Antonyms
petty (small-minded and mean)
|
sore (as in sore loser; angry about losing)
|
unsportsmanlike (not fair or respectful in competition)
Collocations
classy gesture
|classy apology
|classy congratulation
|classy acceptance speech
|classy farewell
|classy response
Themes
sports
|social_life
|behavior
Examples
- It was classy of him to congratulate his opponent right away.
- After the loss, she gave a classy interview and thanked the fans.
- They won easily, but they celebrated in a classy way.
Learner examples
- It was classy of her to say thank you.
- He was classy after the game.
Grammar
Dictionary form
classy
IPA
GB/klˈæsi/
US/klˈæsi/
Syllables & stress
classy (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (classy)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: classy
- Comparative: classier
- Superlative: classiest
Word family
Expressions
a classy move
1/ə klˈæsi mˈuv/
fixed phrase
informal
a respectful admirable action
a very polite and kind action
Examples
- Donating the prize money was a classy move.
- Sending her a private apology was a classy move.
- Calling him out in public was not a classy move.
keep it classy
1/kˈip ˈɪt klˈæsi/
fixed phrase
informal
behave in a tasteful way
be polite and not rude
Examples
- It’s a family dinner, so keep it classy.
- They argued online for hours and then told each other to keep it classy.
- Keep it classy at the office party—your boss will be there.
stay classy
1/stˈeɪ klˈæsi/
fixed phrase
informal
continue to be classy
keep being polite and stylish
Examples
- Thanks for coming tonight—stay classy, everyone.
- He ended the email with, 'Stay classy,' which felt a little joking.
- Stay classy and don’t make personal comments in the meeting.