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classical

/ˈklæsɪkəl/
adjective★Intermediate— traditional or formal in style
formal

Relating to or characteristic of the ancient Greek and Roman world, especially its art, architecture, and literature.

The museum houses a vast collection of classical Greek pottery.

The museum displays ancient Greek pottery.

💡

Often used in the context of art, architecture, and literature from ancient Greece and Rome.

formal

Relating to or characteristic of the highest standards of excellence in the arts, especially music.

He studied classical piano for over a decade.

He learned piano in a traditional, high-standard style.

💡

Commonly used to describe music, dance, and other arts that follow traditional forms and techniques.

formal

Traditional or formal in style, often implying a sense of timelessness or elegance.

The classical design of the building gave it a timeless appeal.

The building's traditional design made it look elegant and enduring.

💡

Used to describe things that are traditional, refined, or elegant in a way that evokes a sense of the past.

Collocations

classical musicmusic from the traditional Western art music tradition, especially from the 18th and 19th centuriesclassical architecturearchitecture from ancient Greece and Rome, characterized by columns, symmetry, and proportionclassical educationa traditional approach to education that emphasizes the study of ancient languages, literature, and philosophy

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

classical conditioningphrase
a learning process in psychology where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a response
classical physicsphrase
the branch of physics that deals with the laws of motion and gravity, as described by Newton

💡Pro Tip

Usage in Music

'Classical music' typically refers to Western art music from the 18th to the early 20th century, including composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven.

Usage in Architecture

Classical architecture often features columns, pediments, and symmetrical designs, inspired by ancient Greek and Roman buildings.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Misuse

Do not use 'classical' to describe something that is simply old or outdated. It should imply a sense of excellence or tradition.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'classicus,' meaning 'of the highest class,' originally referring to the highest social class in ancient Rome. Later, it came to describe the art, literature, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.

📝Usage Notes

The term 'classical' is often used to describe things that are traditional, elegant, or of high quality. It can refer to ancient Greek and Roman culture, as well as to traditional forms of music, art, and architecture.

Word Breakdown

classic
something that is traditional or of the highest quality
root
+
-al
relating to or characterized by
suffix
English Dictionary

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