classics

IPA/klˈasɪks/
KK[klˈæsɪks]IPA/klˈæsɪks/

classics — idiom

1. the books and plays that people have valued for a long time as especially import

1.idiomB2
Definition

the books and plays that people have valued for a long time as especially important and worth reading

Example

At university, Mei chose the classics over modern crime novels.

choose the classics over modern fiction

Christopher spends Sunday mornings reading the classics in the town library.

read the classics

Common collocations
  • read the classics
  • study the classics
  • teach the classics
  • return to the classics
Synonyms
  • literary masterpieces

    Focuses on highly admired books and plays, but is less fixed as a phrase

  • the canon

    More academic and refers to the body of works treated as especially important

  • great literature

    Broader and less fixed; can include newer works as well

Antonyms
  • popular fiction

    Usually points to entertainment reading rather than long-established literary reputation

  • light reading

    Suggests easy, undemanding books rather than highly valued literary works

Grammar Patterns

read the classics

study the classics

return to the classics

Usage Note

Usually appears as the fixed phrase 'the classics', not as a label for one book. In study and reading contexts, it often points to older works that are widely respected and often taught.

Common Mistakes

I bought a classics for the train ride.
I bought a classic for the train ride.
use the singular 'classic' for one famous book; 'the classics' refers to a group of admired works.
The classics is too difficult for me now.
The classics are too difficult for me now.
this phrase usually refers to many works, so it normally takes a plural verb.

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

This plural expression comes from 'classic', which entered English from forms based on Latin 'classicus', meaning 'of the highest class'. Over time, English speakers used 'classic' for works seen as models of lasting quality, and 'the classics' developed as the collective label for literature people continue to value and study across generations.

First known use

1597

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 2 Noun