Classical — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈkla-si-kəl/ clas·si·cal

Meaning & Definition of Classical

Classical (adjective)

  1. standard, classic
  2. of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman world and especially to its literature, art, architecture, or ideals
  3. versed in the classics

Classical (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. based on customs usually handed down from a previous generation

    "the classical preparation of a ham for Easter"

    similar: conventional, customary, prescriptive, traditional
    related: authentic, established, fixed, historical, common, habitual, orthodox, usual, ancestral, historic, old-time, old-world, aged, age-old, ancient, antediluvian, hoary, old, venerable, ageless, dateless, immemorial, timeless
    opposite: nontraditional, unconventional, uncustomary, untraditional
    near: contemporary, current, modern, modernized, new, new age, present-day, updated, up-to-date, futuristic, high-tech, hot, latest, mod, modernistic, newfangled, new-fashioned, red-hot, space-age, state-of-the-art, supermodern, ultramodern, nonconformist, nonorthodox, original, progressive, revolutionary, unorthodox, unprecedented, unusual

  2. being the most accurate and apparently thorough

    "a writer celebrated for his classical profiles of eminent Victorians"

    similar: authoritative, classic, definitive, magisterial
    related: conclusive, decisive, approved, official, sanctioned, accurate, correct, complete, comprehensive, exhaustive, thorough

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Classical

The most common words with a similar meaning to Classical:

conventional, customary, prescriptive, traditional, authoritative, classic, definitive, magisterial

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Classical

Words with the opposite meaning of Classical:

nontraditional, unconventional, uncustomary, untraditional

Related Words for Classical

authentic, established, fixed, historical, common, habitual, orthodox, usual, ancestral, historic, old-time, old-world, aged, age-old, ancient, antediluvian, hoary, old, venerable, ageless, dateless, immemorial, timeless, conclusive, decisive, approved, official, sanctioned, accurate, correct

Near Antonyms of Classical

contemporary, current, modern, modernized, new, new age, present-day, updated, up-to-date, futuristic, high-tech, hot, latest, mod, modernistic, newfangled, new-fashioned, red-hot, space-age, state-of-the-art, supermodern, ultramodern, nonconformist, nonorthodox, original, progressive, revolutionary, unorthodox, unprecedented, unusual

Origin & Etymology of Classical

Latin classicus

First known use: 1546

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Classical

Words & Phrases Containing Classical

classical conditioning, classical liberalism, classical mechanics, anticlassical

Frequently Asked Questions about Classical

What does "Classical" mean?

"Classical" means standard, classic. As an adjective, it is defined as: standard, classic. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Classical"?

Other words for "Classical" include conventional, customary, prescriptive, traditional, authoritative, classic, definitive and magisterial. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Classical" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Classical"?

There are 42 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Classical". Common alternatives include conventional, customary, prescriptive, traditional, authoritative, classic, definitive and magisterial.

What is the opposite of "Classical"?

Antonyms of "Classical" include nontraditional, unconventional, uncustomary and untraditional. Near antonyms include contemporary, current, modern and modernized.

How do you use "Classical" in a sentence?

Examples of "Classical" in a sentence: "the classical preparation of a ham for Easter"; "a writer celebrated for his classical profiles of eminent Victorians".

Is "Classical" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Classical" is an adjective.

Is "Classical" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Classical" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Classical"?

"Classical" is pronounced /ˈkla-si-kəl/ and divided into syllables as clas·si·cal.