classic
/ˈklæsɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈklæsɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkla-sik/ (ame, mw) · /ˈklæs.ɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈklæs.ɪk/ (ame, ipa)
classic — 形容詞
- classicpositive
- more classiccomparative
- most classicsuperlative
1. Regarded as being among the very best of its kind, so that other things of the s
經典的
公認最優質、具典範地位的
Regarded as being among the very best of its kind, so that other things of the same type are judged against it.
Casablanca is a classic film that people still watch more than seventy years later.
《北非諜影》是一部經典電影，七十年後仍有人在看。
Ravi bought a classic leather jacket from a shop in Milan that lasts forever.
Ravi 在米蘭買了一件經典皮外套，可以用一輩子。
classic + noun for timeless high-quality item
The novel is considered a classic example of science fiction from the 1950s.
這本小說被視為一九五〇年代科幻小說的經典代表作。
Many music schools teach students to play classic pieces by Beethoven and Mozart.
許多音樂學校教學生彈奏貝多芬和莫札特的經典樂曲。
That design has become a classic look for modern kitchens around the world.
那款設計已成為世界各地現代廚房的經典樣式。
- timeless
emphasizes that something never goes out of fashion; slightly more poetic than classic
- iconic
focuses on being widely recognized and symbolic of a category, often used for images or figures
- definitive
suggests the work sets the standard so completely that others are measured against it
- mediocre
describes something of only average or poor quality
- forgettable
describes something not worth remembering or returning to
用法筆記
When describing creative works, 'classic' implies a standard of quality that has lasted over time — unlike 'popular', which only describes current appeal.
常見錯誤
2. Used in informal speech to describe something that amuses you greatly or strikes
絕妙；糟透
極有趣或令人惱火的
Used in informal speech to describe something that amuses you greatly or strikes you as especially silly, annoying, or bad in a memorable way.
Leila locked herself out three times last week — it was classic!
Leila 上週把自己鎖在門外三次——真是太經典了！
informal exclamation: 'That's classic!'
The waiter spilled water on the cake and then blamed the cat. Classic!
服務生把水灑在蛋糕上，然後怪罪貓咪。絕了！
It was a classic moment when Tomás tried to impress everyone and fell off his chair.
Tomás 想讓大家刮目相看，結果從椅子上摔下來，那畫面實在太經典了。
My brother forgot his passport at home for the third trip in a row — absolutely classic.
我哥連續第三次出國忘了帶護照——真的是經典疏忽。
用法筆記
This sense is almost always used in exclamations ('Classic!', 'That's classic!') after a funny or frustrating event. It is informal and common in British English conversation.
常見錯誤
3. Having all the features that you would normally expect from a particular type of
典型的
某類事物應有的所有共通特徵
Having all the features that you would normally expect from a particular type of person, thing, or situation.
Priya showed all the classic signs of a cold: sneezing, coughing, and a sore throat.
Priya 表現出感冒的所有典型症狀：打噴嚏、咳嗽和喉嚨痛。
classic signs/symptoms of [condition]
The building has a classic Victorian design with tall windows and a steep roof.
這棟建築採用經典的維多利亞風格，有高窗和陡峭的屋頂。
His speech followed the classic pattern of greeting, thanking, and then presenting the award.
他的演講依循經典模式：先打招呼、致謝，然後頒獎。
It is a classic case of the company growing faster than its managers can handle.
這就是公司成長速度超過管理團隊負荷的典型情況。
The restaurant serves classic Italian dishes like pasta and tiramisu.
這家餐廳供應經典義大利料理，例如義大利麵和提拉米蘇。
- typical
more neutral; classic adds a sense of being a textbook example
- standard
focuses on what is normal or usual, without implying anything special
- archetypal
more formal; emphasizes the original model from which others are copied
4. Said about a bad or unwelcome situation that is frustrating but exactly what you
果然；意料中
不好的事卻在意料之中
Said about a bad or unwelcome situation that is frustrating but exactly what you would expect, often because it has happened before.
The train was delayed again. Classic — it always happens when you are in a hurry.
火車又誤點了。果然不出所料——每次趕時間就這樣。
exclamation: 'Classic' — standalone frustrated remark
Noa arrived late to the meeting right when the boss asked that question. Classic!
Noa 就在老闆問那個問題的時候遲到了。果然是他！
It rained on the day of the picnic — classic British summer weather.
野餐那天下了雨——典型的英國夏天！
Oh classic — the laptop battery died just as I was about to save my work.
喔又來了——我正要存檔的時候筆電沒電了。
- typical
used in the same exasperated way, though classic carries stronger frustration
- predictable
focuses on the outcome being expected, less emotional tone
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 (EXTREMELY FUNNY/BAD): sense 2 focuses on something amusingly silly, while sense 4 focuses on frustrating inevitability. This sense is common in British informal speech — American speakers more often use 'typical' for the same tone.
5. Used to describe clothes, furniture, or design that is not complicated or showy
經典款的
簡約傳統且永不退流行的
Used to describe clothes, furniture, or design that is not complicated or showy and stays popular regardless of changing fashion.
Aiko wore a classic black dress and simple pearl earrings to the ceremony.
Aiko 在典禮上穿了一件經典黑洋裝，搭配簡單的珍珠耳環。
classic + clothing: timeless fashion item
The furniture shop sells classic oak tables that never go out of style.
這家家具店販售經典橡木桌，永遠不會過時。
Diego prefers classic white shirts to anything with patterns or bright colours.
Diego 偏愛經典白襯衫，不喜歡有圖案或亮色的款式。
Their home has a classic interior with wooden floors, white walls, and cosy sofas.
他們家採用經典室內設計：木質地板、白牆和舒適的沙發。
A classic navy-blue suit is useful for job interviews and formal dinners alike.
經典海軍藍西裝適合面試和正式晚宴等多種場合。
- timeless
similarly positive and refers to something that never loses appeal
- traditional
broader and can apply to customs; classic has a style/elegance nuance
- simple
focuses on lack of decoration, without the positive quality judgement
用法筆記
Unlike 'old-fashioned' (which can imply something is outdated), 'classic' in this sense is purely positive — it means the item is simple, elegant, and always appropriate.
常見錯誤
classic — 名詞
- classicsingular
- classicsplural
1. A book, film, piece of music, or other creative work that is widely recognized f
經典作品
公認卓越且具持久價值的創作
A book, film, piece of music, or other creative work that is widely recognized for its excellence and has lasting importance or appeal.
The Great Gatsby is a classic that high school students read all over the world.
《大亨小傳》是一部經典作品，世界各地的中學生都在讀。
This Sinatra album is a classic — every song sounds as fresh today as in the 1960s.
這張 Sinatra 專輯是經典——每首歌聽起來和一九六〇年代一樣動聽。
Yara borrowed several movie classics from the library to watch over the weekend.
Yara 從圖書館借了好幾部經典電影，打算週末在家看。
The novel quickly became a modern classic after winning the top literary prize.
這本小說贏得最高文學獎後，迅速成為現代經典。
The film is regarded as a classic of Japanese cinema from the post-war period.
這部電影被視為戰後日本電影的經典之作。
- masterpiece
focuses on exceptional skill in creation; stronger praise than classic
- masterwork
similar to masterpiece, slightly more formal
- icon
used for a work or item that is widely symbolic of a whole category
- flop
a work that fails commercially or critically
用法筆記
A work is called 'a classic' only after it has been admired for a significant period — usually at least several decades. Recent popular works may be called 'instant classics' but this is informal and promotional.
常見錯誤
2. The most highly respected works of literature, especially those from ancient Gre
文學經典
歷代公認的偉大文學作品
The most highly respected works of literature, especially those from ancient Greece and Rome or from other major literary traditions, studied for their lasting value.
Hana studied English literature and read the classics from Shakespeare to Austen.
Hana 攻讀英國文學，閱讀從莎士比亞到奧斯汀的文學經典。
the classics: body of great literary works
Many university courses require students to read the classics of Western philosophy.
許多大學課程要求學生閱讀西方哲學經典著作。
His grandmother gave him a collection of Russian classics by Tolstoy and Dostoevsky.
他祖母送了他一套托爾斯泰和杜斯妥也夫斯基的俄國文學經典。
The library has a special room dedicated to the classics of Chinese poetry.
圖書館設有專區陳列中國詩歌經典。
- canon
the accepted body of important works in a field; more academic term
- great works
a straightforward paraphrase; less specific than classics
用法筆記
This sense is almost always used in the plural ('the classics'). It refers to the body of great works collectively, not a single item. Compare with sense 1, where 'a classic' refers to one specific work.
常見錯誤
3. The academic subject that involves studying the languages, literature, history,
古典學
古希臘羅馬語言文化學科
The academic subject that involves studying the languages, literature, history, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome.
Rohan is studying Classics at Oxford and learning both Latin and ancient Greek.
Rohan 在牛津大學攻讀古典學，同時學習拉丁文和古希臘文。
capitalised: 'Classics' as a degree subject
A degree in Classics can lead to careers in teaching, law, or museum work.
古典學學位可以從事教學、法律或博物館等工作。
The Classics department organised a trip to see the ruins of Pompeii.
古典學系組織了一趟龐貝古城遺址參訪之旅。
Nadia chose to study Classics because she loves ancient stories and mythology.
Nadia 因為喜愛古代故事和神話而選擇攻讀古典學。
- classical studies
a more transparent term for the same academic field
- ancient history
overlapping but focuses more on historical events than languages and literature
用法筆記
When referring to the academic field, 'Classics' is usually capitalised. It is distinct from sense 2 ('the classics') — sense 3 is the study itself, while sense 2 is the body of works studied.
常見錯誤
4. An item of clothing that has a simple, elegant design and remains fashionable ye
經典款
設計簡約且永不退流行的服裝
An item of clothing that has a simple, elegant design and remains fashionable year after year.
A trench coat is a classic that every wardrobe should include for rainy days.
風衣是衣櫃必備的經典款，下雨天特別實用。
noun: 'a classic' — a timeless clothing item
Beatriz bought a pair of leather boots that are a real classic — simple and durable.
Beatriz 買了一雙皮靴，是真正的經典款——簡單又耐穿。
The little black dress is a classic for evening events throughout the year.
小黑裙是全年晚間活動的經典服裝。
Denim jackets have become a classic in casual fashion across all age groups.
丹寧外套已成為各年齡層休閒穿搭的經典款。
- fad
a short-lived fashion that quickly disappears
用法筆記
This sense overlaps with the adjective sense 5 (TRADITIONAL style). When used as a noun, 'a classic' refers to a specific item, whereas the adjective describes the item's quality.
5. An important and prestigious sporting event or competition, usually one that tak
經典賽事
定期舉辦的重要體育競賽
An important and prestigious sporting event or competition, usually one that takes place regularly and attracts the best competitors.
Wimbledon is a classic of the tennis calendar that players dream of winning.
溫布頓是網球界的經典賽事，每位選手都夢想奪冠。
a classic of [sport] — a major event
The Masters golf tournament is considered a classic among professional players.
高爾夫名人賽被職業選手視為經典大賽。
This weekend's football match is a classic between two rival teams from the same city.
這週末的足球賽是同城兩支 rival 球隊之間的經典對決。
The Boston Marathon is a classic that runners train for months to complete.
波士頓馬拉松是一項經典賽事，跑者要訓練數月才能參賽。
- showpiece
an event designed to impress; slightly more formal
- prestigious event
describes the high status without the timeless-quality nuance
用法筆記
In sports contexts, 'a classic' may also describe a particularly exciting or memorable match between any two opponents, not just a regular annual event. For example: 'That final was a classic.'
6. One of the five most important horse races of the British flat-racing season, wh
英國經典大賽
英國平地賽馬五大主要賽事
One of the five most important horse races of the British flat-racing season, where horses run without jumping over fences.
The Epsom Derby is one of the five British Classics run each year.
葉森打吡是英國每年五場經典大賽之一。
capitalised: British Classics = the five major flat races
Horse owners dream of winning a Classic with their best young horse.
馬主們夢想用自己最好的年輕馬匹贏得一場經典大賽。
The 2000 Guineas is the first Classic of the British flat-racing season.
二千堅尼錦標是英國平地賽季的第一場經典大賽。
The trainer prepared his horse for all five Classics during the spring and summer.
練馬師在春夏兩季讓他的馬準備參加全部五場經典大賽。
用法筆記
In this specific horseracing sense, 'Classic' is often capitalised and refers to a defined set of five races: the 2000 Guineas, 1000 Guineas, Epsom Derby, Epsom Oaks, and St Leger. This is a specialized term and rarely used outside UK racing contexts.