Word
classy
US/ˈkɫæsi/
UK/klˈɑːsi/
Definitions
01elegant and stylish
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
adj. elegant, stylish, and expensive-looking.
adj. exhibiting high style, elegance, or sophistication in appearance or design.
“The hotel lobby was very classy with its marble floors and soft music.”
“The designer opted for a classy, minimalist aesthetic that relied on high-quality fabrics rather than flashy logos.”
Usage
Often used to describe places, clothes, or events that show good taste.
Teaching tip
While positive, calling something 'classy' can sometimes sound slightly old-fashioned or like you are trying too hard to be impressed; 'elegant' is the more neutral alternative.
Synonyms
02having high standards
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
adj. having or showing high standards of behavior and respect for others.
adj. demonstrating superior personal qualities, integrity, or grace, especially in difficult situations.
“It was a classy move to congratulate his rival after losing the race.”
“The retiring CEO made a classy exit, spending her final speech thanking the junior staff rather than highlighting her own achievements.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'a classy move' or 'a classy guy/lady'.
Real-World Examples
“Entering Nicholas Hytner’s rehearsal room, joining a classy cast led by Rory Kinnear, she felt like Lydia among Keynes’s sneery Bloomsbury friends.” “He describes Frances as “classy,” explaining that she was “clearly the brightest of all the aunts and uncles.” He thinks that his mother and aunts may have been a bit jealous of her.” Etymology
From class + -y. Piecewise doublet of classic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/classy