6 → see also chattering classes , middle class , upper class , working class
7 N‑COUNT A class of things is a group of them with similar characteristics. □ [+ of ] …the division of the stars into six classes of brightness.
8 VERB If someone or something is classed as a particular thing, they are regarded as belonging to that group of things. □ [be V -ed + as ] Since the birds inter-breed they cannot be classed as different species. □ [V pron-refl + as ] I class myself as an ordinary working person. □ [V n + as ] I would class my garden as medium in size. □ [V -ed + as ] He was not an explorer but can certainly be classed as a pioneer.
9 N‑UNCOUNT If you say that someone or something has class , you mean that they are elegant and sophisticated. [INFORMAL , APPROVAL ] □ He's got the same style off the pitch as he has on it–sheer class.
10 → see also business class , first-class , second-class , third-class , top-class , world-class
11 PHRASE If someone is in a class of their own , they have more of a particular skill or quality than anyone else. If something is in a class of its own , it is better than any other similar thing. □ As a player, he was in a class of his own. COLLOCATIONS class NOUN
2
noun + class : cookery, dance, exercise, yoga; evening, night
verb + class : run, teach; attend, go to, take
5
adjective + class : lower, middle, ruling, upper; privileged, professional, wealthy
cla ss a c|tion (class actions ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] A class action is a legal case brought by a group of people rather than an individual.
cla ss-conscious ADJ Someone who is class-conscious is very aware of the differences between the various classes of people in society, and often has a strong feeling of belonging to a particular class. □ Nineteenth-century Britain was a class-conscious society. ● class-consciousness N‑UNCOUNT □ There was very little snobbery or class-consciousness in the wartime navy.
clas|sic ◆◆◇ /klæ s I k/ (classics )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A classic example of a thing or situation has all the features which you expect such a thing or situation to have. □ The debate in the mainstream press has been a classic example of British hypocrisy. □ His first two goals were classic cases of being in the right place at the right time. ● N‑COUNT Classic is also a noun. □ [+ of ] It was a classic of interrogation: first the bully, then the kind one who offers sympathy.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A classic film, piece of writing, or piece of music is of very high quality and has become a standard against which similar things are judged. □ …the classic children's film Huckleberry Finn. □ …a classic study of the American penal system. ● N‑COUNT Classic is also a noun. □ [+ of ] The record won a gold award and remains one of the classics of modern popular music. □ …a film classic.
3 N‑COUNT A classic is a book which is well-known and considered to be of a high literary standard. You can refer to such books generally as the classics . □ As I grow older, I like to reread the classics regularly.
4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Classic style is simple and traditional and is not affected by changes in fashion. □ Wear classic clothes which feel good and look good. □ These are classic designs which will fit in well anywhere.
5 N‑UNCOUNT Classics is the study of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, especially their languages, literature, and philosophy. □ …a Classics degree.
clas|si|cal ◆◇◇ /klæ s I k ə l/
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You use classical to describe something that is traditional in form, style, or content. □ Fokine did not change the steps of classical ballet; instead he found new ways of using them. □ …the scientific attitude of Smith and earlier classical economists.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Classical music is music that is considered to be serious and of lasting value.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Classical is used to describe things which relate to the ancient Greek or Roman civilizations. □ …the healers of ancient Egypt and classical Greece.
clas|si|cal|ly /klæ s I kli/
1 ADV [ADV -ed] Someone who has been classically trained in something such as art, music, or ballet has learned the traditional skills and methods of that subject. □ Peter is a classically-trained pianist.
2 ADV [ADV adj/-ed] Classically is used to indicate that something is based on or reminds people of the culture of ancient Greece and Rome. □ …the classically-inspired church of S. Francesco.
clas|si|cism /klæ s I s I zəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Classicism is a style of art practised especially in the 18th century in Europe. It has simple regular forms and the artist does not attempt to express strong emotions.
clas|si|cist /klæ s I s I st/ (classicists )
1 N‑COUNT A classicist is someone who studies the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, especially their languages, literature, and philosophy.
2 N‑COUNT In the arts, especially in architecture, a classicist is someone who follows the principles of classicism in their work.
clas|si|fi|ca|tion /klæ s I f I ke I ʃ ə n/ (classifications )
1 N‑COUNT A classification is a division or category in a system which divides things into groups or types. □ [+ of ] Its tariffs cater for four basic classifications of customer.