locus classicus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Academic
Quick answer
What does “locus classicus” mean?
The most authoritative, standard, or classic source or passage that defines or illustrates a particular concept, argument, or principle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The most authoritative, standard, or classic source or passage that defines or illustrates a particular concept, argument, or principle.
A passage or work that is frequently cited as the primary, definitive example or model for a particular idea, theme, or style. It is the go-to reference point.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling identical. Usage equally rare and academic in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of learned authority. Slightly more associated with classical studies, philosophy, and legal history.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both; perhaps marginally more frequent in UK academic writing due to stronger classical education traditions.
Grammar
How to Use “locus classicus” in a Sentence
[locus classicus] for [concept][locus classicus] of [field/topic][locus classicus] is [source/passage]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “locus classicus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (none – it is a noun phrase)
American English
- (none – it is a noun phrase)
adverb
British English
- (none – it is a noun phrase)
American English
- (none – it is a noun phrase)
adjective
British English
- (none – it is a noun phrase)
American English
- (none – it is a noun phrase)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Might be used metaphorically in high-level strategy discussions: "The 1982 Harvard Business Review article is the locus classicus for disruptive innovation."
Academic
Primary domain. Used in humanities, law, social sciences: "Plato's 'Allegory of the Cave' is the locus classicus for discussions of perception versus reality."
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in legal writing ("The case of Donoghue v Stevenson is the locus classicus for the modern law of negligence") and classical/philological scholarship.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “locus classicus”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “locus classicus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “locus classicus”
- Using it to mean any example, rather than the definitive one. Pronouncing 'classicus' as /kləˈsɪkəs/ (stress on second syllable). Treating it as plural ('locus classicuses').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is singular. The plural is 'loci classici'.
Yes, in formal academic writing, it is conventional to italicise this Latin phrase, like other foreign phrases not fully assimilated into English.
It is almost exclusively an academic term. Using it in everyday conversation would sound highly pretentious.
A 'locus classicus' is not just a classic work in general; it is the specific, most-cited passage or source *for a particular idea*. A classic novel is great literature; a 'locus classicus' is the go-to reference for a specific concept within a field.
The most authoritative, standard, or classic source or passage that defines or illustrates a particular concept, argument, or principle.
Locus classicus is usually formal / academic in register.
Locus classicus: in British English it is pronounced /ˌləʊkəs ˈklæsɪkəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌloʊkəs ˈklæsɪkəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none specific; the term itself is a set phrase)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LOCUS (a location/site) of CLASSIC (authoritative, classic) US (use). It's the 'site of the classic use' of a term or idea.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MONUMENT or LANDMARK (a fixed, prominent point of reference on an intellectual map).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the phrase 'locus classicus' be most appropriately used?