classical: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “classical” mean?
Relating to ancient Greek or Roman culture, literature, art, or architecture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to ancient Greek or Roman culture, literature, art, or architecture; traditional and long-established.
Relating to a standard, established, or authoritative form in any field (e.g., music, physics, conditioning); elegant, restrained, and balanced in style.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Classical music' is the standard term in both. Slight nuance: In UK academic contexts, 'Classical Studies' often refers specifically to Greek & Roman antiquity, while in the US it might be labeled 'Classics'.
Connotations
Shared connotations of high culture, tradition, and formality.
Frequency
Equally frequent and used in identical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “classical” in a Sentence
attributive adjective (classical X)predicative (X is classical)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “classical” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She is studying classical civilisation at university.
- The building's façade features classical columns.
American English
- He has a degree in classical studies from Harvard.
- The debate followed a classical philosophical structure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in 'classical economics' or referring to a traditional business model.
Academic
Central term in humanities (history, literature, art) and sciences ('classical mechanics', 'classical conditioning').
Everyday
Most commonly used for music, e.g., 'I listen to classical music'.
Technical
Used to denote the original, foundational theory in a field (e.g., classical physics vs. quantum physics).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “classical”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “classical”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “classical”
- Using 'classical' to mean 'very good' (use 'classic'). E.g., 'That was a classical mistake!' is incorrect; use 'classic'.
- Confusing 'classical music' (orchestral, symphonic) with 'classic rock' (vintage rock and roll).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Classical' primarily refers to the ancient Greco-Roman world or an authoritative tradition in a field. 'Classic' means 'of the highest quality', 'typical', or 'serving as a standard' (e.g., a classic car, a classic mistake).
No. In Western culture, 'classical music' specifically refers to the formal tradition of music rooted in Western liturgical and secular music from circa 1000 AD onward, with a central period (the Classical era) from about 1750 to 1820. It includes music composed recently in that tradition.
Yes, though often qualified. Scholars refer to 'classical Chinese poetry', 'classical Arabic', or 'the classical period of Mayan civilization'. It denotes a peak period of cultural development in that civilization's history.
Essentially, yes. 'Classics' (often capitalised) is the academic discipline focused on the languages, literature, history, art, and philosophy of ancient Greece and Rome. 'Classical studies' is a synonymous term, sometimes with a slightly broader scope including archaeology.
Relating to ancient Greek or Roman culture, literature, art, or architecture.
Classical is usually formal, academic in register.
Classical: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklæsɪk(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklæsɪkəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A classical education”
- “In the classical style”
- “Classical proportions”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CLASSICAL as relating to a CLASS (a group/period) in history, specifically the class of ancient Greek and Roman masters.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLASSICAL IS ANCIENT/PURE (vs. modern/corrupted); CLASSICAL IS ORDERED/BALANCED (vs. chaotic).
Practice
Quiz
Which field does NOT typically use the term 'classical' to describe a foundational period or style?