classics: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “classics” mean?
The study of ancient Greek and Roman literature, history, art, and culture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The study of ancient Greek and Roman literature, history, art, and culture.
Works of literature, art, or music that are considered to be of the highest quality and lasting value, often from a past era. Also used to describe something that is a typical or excellent example of its kind.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Classics' (often capitalised) is a well-established university subject. In the US, the term is also used but 'Classical Studies' is a common alternative. The broader, non-academic meaning is identical.
Connotations
In both, the academic sense connotes intellectual rigour and tradition. The broader sense connotes timeless quality and high cultural value.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK academic contexts due to the historical prominence of the subject in institutions like Oxford and Cambridge.
Grammar
How to Use “classics” in a Sentence
study + classicsmajor in + classicsa classic of + [genre/field]regard as + a classicVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically: 'The Model T is a classic of industrial design.'
Academic
Primary context. Refers to the academic discipline of Classics or a foundational text in a field: 'She lectures in Classics.' 'Darwin's 'Origin' is a scientific classic.'
Everyday
Refers to highly regarded, enduring works in any field, especially arts: 'We're watching Hitchcock classics tonight.'
Technical
Specific to the academic field of Classical Philology, Archaeology, and Ancient History.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “classics”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “classics”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “classics”
- Using 'classic' as a plural noun (e.g., 'I love reading classic' – incorrect).
- Confusing 'Classics' (academic field) with 'classical music'.
- Misspelling as 'clasics' or 'classicks'.
- Using an incorrect verb agreement: 'Classics are my favourite subject' (acceptable) vs. 'Classics is my favourite subject' (more precise for the discipline).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring to the academic subject, it is plural in form but can take a singular verb (e.g., 'Classics is demanding'). When referring to a collection of great works, it is plural.
'Classic' means of the highest class, or a typical example (a classic car, a classic mistake). 'Classical' refers to a specific historical period, especially ancient Greece/Rome, or a formal style (classical music, classical architecture).
Typically, yes. Most university Classics programmes require or strongly encourage the study of the ancient languages.
Yes, in its broader sense. A film from the 1980s can be called a 'modern classic' if it is considered of enduring high quality and influence.
The study of ancient Greek and Roman literature, history, art, and culture.
Classics is usually formal, academic in register.
Classics: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklasɪks/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklæsɪks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a classic!”
- “A classic case of...”
- “Go back to the classics”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CLASSICS as the CLASS you take to study ancient ICES (civilisations frozen in time).
Conceptual Metaphor
ENDURING VALUE IS PHYSICAL DURABILITY (a classic 'stands the test of time'), FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE IS A BUILDING ('the classics are the foundation of Western thought').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Classics' most likely to refer to a formal university subject?