class meaning: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1/A2 (very high frequency)Neutral, used across all registers from formal to informal.
Quick answer
What does “class meaning” mean?
A group of students taught together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A group of students taught together; a set or category of things sharing common attributes.
A social division based on economic and social status; a style or quality; a group or category in a competition; (computing) a template for creating objects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'class' is the standard term for a year group in school/university (e.g., 'the class of 2024'). In American English, 'grade' is more common for school years, while 'class' refers to the group of students or a specific course. In the UK, 'form' is sometimes used for class in secondary schools.
Connotations
The 'social class' sense is slightly more prevalent and overt in British discourse. The 'high quality' sense ('a class act') is equally common.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties, with the educational sense being marginally more frequent in AmE due to 'class' as a course unit.
Grammar
How to Use “class meaning” in a Sentence
be in a class of its ownclass someone/something as somethingclass with/amongVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “class meaning” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The specimen was classed among the rare amphibians.
- He is classed as a vulnerable adult under the law.
American English
- The software is classed as shareware.
- They classed the injury as moderate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to travel accommodations (business class), product tiers (premium class), or asset classifications.
Academic
Central to sociology (social class), education (classroom instruction), biology (taxonomic class), and computing (object-oriented class).
Everyday
Used for school/lessons, social groups, and describing quality ('She showed real class').
Technical
In computing: a blueprint for objects. In statistics: a grouping of data. In transportation: a category of service.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “class meaning”
- Using 'class' uncountably for the social concept incorrectly (e.g., 'He comes from a high class' -> '... a high social class' or '... the upper class'). Confusing 'classic' (typical, of high quality) with 'classical' (relating to ancient Greece/Rome or traditional art forms).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily countable (e.g., 'three classes', 'a history class'). However, when referring to social class as a general concept, it can be uncountable (e.g., 'conflict based on class').
'Class' often refers to the group of students or a single meeting. 'Lesson' is the content taught in that meeting. 'Course' is a series of classes/lessons on a subject over a term or year.
Yes, but it is more formal/technical, meaning 'to categorize or classify' (e.g., 'The animal is classed as a marsupial').
'Classy' is an informal adjective meaning stylish, sophisticated, or of high quality. It derives from the 'high quality' sense of 'class' but is not interchangeable with the noun.
A group of students taught together.
Class meaning is usually neutral, used across all registers from formal to informal. in register.
Class meaning: in British English it is pronounced /klɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /klæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In a class of its own”
- “Class act”
- “Cut class”
- “Travel third class”
- “The chattering classes”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CLASSroom where students are grouped (CLASS) by ability, and the teacher says, 'This work is first-CLASS!' linking the group and quality meanings.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL HIERARCHY IS VERTICAL SPACE (upper/lower class). QUALITY IS RANK (first class, second class).
Practice
Quiz
Which use of 'class' is most typical in British academic sociology?