Classical: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that is related to ancient Greek or Roman culture, or something that has a long-established style or form.

• Classical music often includes compositions from composers like Mozart and Beethoven.
• Classical architecture can be seen in buildings with columns and symmetrical designs.

Refers to something that has been done the same way over many years, often related to cultural or family activities.

• Wearing a white dress is a traditional aspect of many weddings.
• They prepared a traditional Japanese meal for the holiday.

This word is used for something significant in history, often related to important events, places, or people.

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence was a historic event.
• The city has many historic buildings preserved from the 18th century.

Applied to practices or traditions that have been respected and followed for a very long time.

• The time-honored tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving with a family feast continues.
• They adhered to time-honored business practices that have been successful for decades.

This word is often used to describe art, music, literature, or culture from ancient Greece and Rome, or works that are considered timeless and of high quality.

• She enjoys listening to classical music such as Beethoven and Mozart.
• Classical architecture often features columns and intricate details.

This word is used to describe customs, beliefs, or practices that have been passed down through generations and are characteristic of a particular culture or society.

• They celebrated the holiday with traditional foods and rituals.
• Traditional dances play an important role in their cultural festivals.

This term is used to refer to very old civilizations, artifacts, or history, especially those dating back to the earliest times in human history.

• The ancient pyramids of Egypt are a testament to the engineering skills of early civilizations.
• They found ancient pottery fragments at the archaeological site.

This term is used to describe anything related to literature or written works, especially those that are considered to have artistic or intellectual value.

• The literary community gathered to discuss the latest novel by the acclaimed author.
• She has a deep appreciation for literary works, especially those from the 19th century.

Refers to music from Western traditions, especially from the period roughly 1750 to 1820, or styles that are typical of ancient Greek or Roman cultures.

• Classical music often includes composers like Mozart and Beethoven.
• The architecture of the building is classical, reminiscent of ancient Greece.

Used for something or someone serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind.

• Her behavior at school is exemplary.
• The teacher gave an exemplary lesson on the subject.

Describes something that has high quality and lasting value, often typical of its kind and considered a benchmark.

• 'Pride and Prejudice' is a classic novel.
• The car is a classic model from the 1960s.

Refers to something that is not affected by the passage of time; it remains relevant or valuable regardless of changing trends.

• The beauty of the mountains is timeless.
• The movie is timeless, enjoyed by audiences across generations.