Classical

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈklæs.ɪ.k(ə)l/

Definitions

1. Relating to ancient Greek or Roman culture, or following traditional and long-established forms in art, music, or literature
2. Pertaining to the traditions and styles of ancient civilizations, particularly in the arts and humanities, or embodying a formal and enduring style in various creative fields
3. Connected to the cultural heritage of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as to artistic expressions that adhere to established standards and conventions

Etymology: The most telling fact about "classical" is that it began as a word for taxpayers. Latin "classicus" meant belonging to the highest of the Roman census classes, the wealthiest citizens, and by extension something of the first rank. Its figurative sense of top-quality writing was taken up in the Roman world, which is where the modern association with excellence begins. English took the word in the 1600s, initially as "classic", a term of praise for authors and works regarded as models of the first order. The adjective "classical" grew out of that, formed by adding the suffix "-al" to the stem of "classic" (or, as one line of analysis would have it, "class" with "-ical"). The sense of relating to ancient Greece and Rome developed from the idea that those literatures were the supreme models. Later, the word also came to name a whole tradition of art and music that looked back to established forms, which is why we speak of classical music as distinct from the ancient civilisations themselves.

Synonyms: traditional, historic, ancient, established, conventional

Antonyms: modern, contemporary, novel, progressive, innovative