The AI-powered English dictionary
comparative more classic, superlative most classic
Of or relating to the first class or rank, especially in literature or art. quotations examples
During the whole time of his abode in the university he generally spent thirteen hours of the day in study; by which assiduity besides an exact dispatch of the whole course of philosophy, he read over in a manner all classic authors that are extant […]
1661, John Fell, The Life of the most learned, reverend and pious Dr. H. Hammond
Give, as thy last memorial to the age, / One classic drama, and reform the stage.
1809, Lord Byron, English Bards, and Scotch Reviewers
Exemplary of a particular style; defining a class/category; typical. quotations examples
The story struck the depressingly familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen. No one queried it. It was in the classic pattern of human weakness, mean and embarrassing and sad.
1963, Margery Allingham, “Eye Witness”, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, page 249
Exhibiting timeless quality and excellence. examples
Characteristic of or from the past; old; retro; vintage. examples
Of or pertaining to the ancient Greeks and Romans, especially to Greek or Roman authors of the highest rank, or of the period when their best literature was produced; of or pertaining to places inhabited by the ancient Greeks and Romans, or rendered famous by their deeds. quotations examples
Though throned midst Latium's classic plains.
1819, Felicia Hemans, The Widow of Crescentius
Traditional; original. quotations examples
Many of these classic methods are still used, with some modern improvements. For example, with the aid of special microphones and automated sound detection software, ornithologists recently reported […] that pine siskins (Spinus pinus) undergo an irregular, nomadic type of nocturnal migration.
2013 January 1, Paul Bartel, Ashli Moore, “Avian Migration: The Ultimate Red-Eye Flight”, in American Scientist, volume 101, number 1, pages 47–48
plural classics
A perfect and/or early example of a particular style. examples
An artistic work of lasting worth, such as a film or song; a work of enduring excellence. quotations examples
JAMES CARTER: The man's destroying a classic!
2001, Jeff Nathanson, Rush Hour 2, New Line Cinema
The author of such a work. quotations examples
It was the first work to which he had put his name; and it at once raised him to the rank of a legitimate English classic.
1856 February, [Thomas Babington] Macaulay, “Oliver Goldsmith ”, in T[homas] F[lower] E[llis], editor, The Miscellaneous Writings and Speeches of Lord Macaulay, new edition, London: Longman, Green, Reader, & Dyer, published 1871, page 366
A major, long-standing sporting event.
(horse racing) Any of the British Classic Races, five long-standing Group 1 horse races run during the traditional flat racing season. quotations examples
The goal of the top horses was to win a Classic (or preferably three, thus claiming the Triple Crown) or the Ascot Gold Cup, […]
2012, Dr Joyce Kay, Professor Wray Vamplew, Encyclopedia of British Horse Racing, page 316
(dated) One learned in the literature of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome; a student of classical literature. examples