classical
/ˈklæs.ɪ.kəl/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Classical means connected with the art, music, literature, or culture of ancient Greece and Rome. It can also mean traditional and established, especially in music.
- She studies classical literature.
- We listened to classical music last night.
- The museum has classical sculptures.
Adinary Nuance
Classical is not the same as classic. Classical usually refers to an old tradition, especially Greek, Roman, or formal music. Classic often means very good, famous, or typical. For example, classical music is a genre, but a classic song is simply a well-loved song.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- cổ điển
- Spanish
- clásico
- Chinese
- 古典
- Japanese
- 古典的な
- Korean
- 고전적인
Etymology
Classical came into English in the 1600s from Latin classicus, meaning 'of the highest class.' It later came to mean the admired styles of ancient Greece and Rome.
Common phrases
classical musicclassical educationclassical literatureclassical antiquity
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is classical the same as classic?
- No. Classical usually refers to older traditions or ancient Greek and Roman culture. Classic means famous, typical, or excellent.
- Is classical used for music only?
- No. It is also used for literature, art, and education. But music is the most common use today.
- Is classical formal?
- Yes, it sounds formal and often appears in academic or cultural writing.