Classical: meaning, definitions and examples

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classical

[ˈklæsɪkəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

music

Relating to the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, especially in art, literature, and architecture.

Synonyms

historic, time-honored, traditional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
classical	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.
traditional	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.
historic	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.
time-honored	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.

Examples of usage

The concert featured a selection of classical music composed by Beethoven and Mozart.
She studied classical literature at university.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

education

Of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman world, especially in language or literature.

Synonyms

ancient, literary, traditional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
classical	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.
traditional	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.
ancient	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.
literary	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.

Examples of usage

The students were required to read classical texts in their original languages.
The classical education system emphasizes the study of Latin and Greek.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

general

Representing an exemplary standard within a particular traditional and long-established form or style.

Synonyms

classic, exemplary, timeless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
classical	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.
exemplary	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.
classic	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.
timeless	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.

Examples of usage

He is a classical example of a gentleman.
The building's architecture is classical in design.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'classical' comes from the Latin word 'classicus', which referred to the highest class of Roman citizens.
In the context of music, 'classical' refers to a period primarily between 1750 and 1820, featuring composers like Mozart and Beethoven.
Many ancient Greek and Roman works laid the groundwork for what we now consider 'classical' literature and art.

Art and Literature

Classical art is characterized by harmony, symmetry, and an emphasis on realism, often seen in sculptures and paintings from ancient civilizations.
The classic novel, such as 'Pride and Prejudice' or 'War and Peace', remains influential even today, shaping modern storytelling.
The concepts of tragedy and comedy in theater can be traced back to classical Greek plays, which still influence contemporary dramas.

Science and Philosophy

Classical mechanics, the branch of physics, describes the motion of bodies under the influence of forces and was developed by scientists like Newton.
In philosophy, classical thought often refers to ideas and teachings from ancient philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
Academics still use classical rhetoric principles today, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, which guide persuasive communication.

Pop Culture

Classical music remains popular today with numerous film scores incorporating elements from the classical tradition, like 'Star Wars' and 'Harry Potter'.
The classical style has influenced many music genres, with rock and pop artists sampling classical melodies in their songs.
Classic fashion trends often recycle styles from past decades, proving that classic looks never really go out of style.

Education

Classical education emphasizes a liberal arts curriculum, focusing on grammar, logic, and rhetoric as foundational skills.
Many elite schools still adopt classical education methods, teaching students through the study of ancient texts and timeless ideas.
The teachings and methods from classical education have profoundly influenced modern educational practices and philosophies.

Translations

Translations of the word "classical" in other languages:

🇵🇹 clássico

🇮🇳 शास्त्रीय

🇩🇪 klassisch

🇮🇩 klasik

🇺🇦 класичний

🇵🇱 klasyczny

🇯🇵 クラシック (kurashikku)

🇫🇷 classique

🇪🇸 clásico

🇹🇷 klasik

🇰🇷 고전적인 (gojeon-jeogin)

🇸🇦 كلاسيكي

🇨🇿 klasický

🇸🇰 klasický

🇨🇳 经典 (jīngdiǎn)

🇸🇮 klasičen

🇮🇸 klassískt

🇰🇿 классикалық

🇬🇪 კლასიკური

🇦🇿 klassik

🇲🇽 clásico

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,967, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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