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classes

n. · v.
US //ˈkɫæsəz// UK //klˈɑːsɪz// class·es
  1. 1 school/education (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    groups of students who meet to learn a particular subject with a teacher.

    groups of students meeting regularly for instruction in a specific subject or course.

    Example

    She has three classes on Tuesday mornings, starting with history.

    Example

    The university cancelled all afternoon classes due to the heavy snowfall, advising students to check their portals for remote learning assignments.
  2. 2 social groups (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the different groups that people are divided into based on their wealth or job.

    the hierarchical divisions of society based on economic, social, or hereditary status.

    Example

    The book explores the differences between the working and middle classes.

    Example

    Sociologists argue that the boundaries between social classes have become increasingly blurred in post-industrial economies.
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  1. 3 categories (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    groups of things that have similar qualities or features.

    sets or categories of things sharing common attributes or characteristics.

    Example

    The library organizes books into different classes based on their topic.

    Example

    The new safety regulations apply to several classes of commercial vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks and passenger buses.
  2. 4 to categorize (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to put someone or something into a specific group or category.

    to assign someone or something to a particular category or rank. The third-person singular present form.

    Example

    The law classes this type of behavior as a minor offense.

    Example

    The museum curator classes these particular artifacts as late Bronze Age, though some researchers dispute the timeline.

    Usage

    The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, often followed by 'as'.

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