What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

What is the difference between classic and classical?

classic | classical |

Classical is a synonym of classic.



In lang=en terms the difference between classic and classical

is that classic is one learned in the literature of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome; a student of classical literature while classical is describing European music and musicians of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

As adjectives the difference between classic and classical

is that classic is of or relating to the first class or rank, especially in literature or art while classical is of or relating to the first class or rank, especially in literature or art.

As a noun classic

is a perfect and/or early example of a particular style.

classic

English

Alternative forms

* classick (obsolete)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Of or relating to the first class or rank, especially in literature or art.
  • * 1661 , , The Life of the most learned, reverend and pious Dr. H. Hammond
  • During the whole time of his abode in the university he generally spent thirteen hours of the day in study; by which assiduity besides an exact dispatch of the whole course of philosophy, he read over in a manner all classic authors that are extant
  • * (Lord Byron) (1788-1824)
  • Give, as thy last memorial to the age, / One classic drama, and reform the stage.
  • Exemplary of a particular style.
  • Exhibiting timeless quality.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham), title=(The China Governess)
  • , chapter=20 citation , passage=The story struck the depressingly familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen. No one queried it. It was in the classic pattern of human weakness, mean and embarrassing and sad.}}
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-01-01, author=Paul Bartel, Ashli Moore
  • , volume=101, issue=1, page=47–48, magazine=(American Scientist) , title= Avian Migration: The Ultimate Red-Eye Flight , passage=Many of these classic methods are still used, with some modern improvements. For example, with the aid of special microphones and automated sound detection software, ornithologists recently reported […] that pine siskins (Spinus pinus ) undergo an irregular, nomadic type of nocturnal migration.}}
  • Of or pertaining to the ancient Greeks and Romans, especially to Greek or Roman authors of the highest rank, or of the period when their best literature was produced; of or pertaining to places inhabited by the ancient Greeks and Romans, or rendered famous by their deeds.
  • * (Felicia Hemans) (1804-1864)
  • Though throned midst Latium's classic plains.
  • (euphemistic) Traditional; original.
  • Synonyms

    * classical

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A perfect and/or early example of a particular style.
  • An artistic work of lasting worth
  • The author of such a work.
  • * Macaulay
  • Raised him to the rank of a legitimate English classic .
  • A major, long-standing sporting event
  • (dated) One learned in the literature of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome; a student of classical literature.
  • See also

    * classical * classics

    classical

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Of or relating to the first class or rank, especially in literature or art.
  • * Arbuthnot
  • Mr. Greaves may justly be reckoned a classical author on this subject.
  • Of or pertaining to established principles in a discipline.
  • *
  • Herbarium material does not, indeed, allow one to extrapolate safely: what you see is what you get; what you get is classical alpha-taxonomy which is, very largely and for sound reasons, in disrepute today.
  • (music) Describing European music and musicians of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
  • (informal, music) Describing serious music (rather than pop, jazz, blues etc), especially when played using instruments of the orchestra.
  • Of or pertaining to the ancient Greeks and Romans, especially to Greek or Roman authors of the highest rank, or of the period when their best literature was produced; of or pertaining to places inhabited by the ancient Greeks and Romans, or rendered famous by their deeds.
  • * Macaulay
  • He [Atterbury] directed the classical studies of the undergraduates of his college.
  • Conforming to the best authority in literature and art; chaste; pure; refined; as, a classical style.
  • * Macaulay
  • Classical , provincial, and national synods.
  • (physics) Pertaining to models of physical laws that do not take quantum or relativistic effects into account; Newtonian or Maxwellian.
  • Synonyms

    * classic

    Derived terms

    * Classical Greece * Classical Greek * classical history * Classical Latin * classical music