# classics

/ˈkɫæsɪks/ (US) · /klˈæsɪks/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/classics
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. academic study

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

the study of the languages, history, and literature of ancient Greece and Rome.

For teachers: the branch of the humanities comprising the study of the languages, literature, philosophy, history, and archaeology of ancient Greece and Rome.

- She decided to study classics because she was fascinated by ancient mythology.
- Classics remains a foundational discipline in many European universities, providing the linguistic tools necessary to engage with primary Latin and Greek texts.

Usage: Usually takes a singular verb when referring to the subject of study.

### 2. famous works

noun · CEFR B1

books, films, or pieces of music that are considered to be of the highest quality and have lasting value.

For teachers: the plural form of 'classic', referring to multiple works of art or literature recognized as being of established value and excellence.

- The library has a special section for the classics of English literature.
- The curriculum focuses on the classics of the nineteenth-century novel, ensuring students are well-versed in the works of Dickens, Austen, and the Brontës.

Usage: Functions as a standard plural noun.

## Examples

- She decided to study classics at university.
- The library has a dedicated section for the classics, featuring authors like Homer and Virgil.
- While modern literature offers immediate relevance, the study of classics provides a foundational understanding of the philosophical and linguistic roots of Western civilization.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.