classic

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   of or relating to the most highly developed stage of an earlier civilisation and its culture

   classic Cinese pottery

2. 2
   adj

   of or pertaining to or characteristic of the ancient Greek and Roman cultures

   classical mythology

3. 3
   adj

   Of or relating to the first class or rank, especially in literature or art.

   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[…]

4. 4
   adj

   Exemplary of a particular style; defining a class or category; typical; archetypical; epitomic.

   He has a classic case of narcissism.

5. 5
   adj

   Exhibiting timeless quality and excellence.

   "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a 1960 classic book by Harper Lee.

6. 6
   adj

   Characteristic of or from the past; old; retro; vintage.

   watching classic movies as a hobby

7. 7
   adj

   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.

   1819, Felicia Hemans, The Widow of Crescentius Though throned midst Latium's classic plains.

8. 8
   adj

   Traditional; original.

   Users who dislike the new visual layout can return to classic mode.

Etymology

From French classique, from Latin classic(us) (“relating to the classes of Roman citizenry, especially the highest”), from classis. By surface analysis, class + -ic. Piecewise doublet of classy.