(~s)
Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.
1.
A ~ example of a thing or situation has all the features which you expect such a thing or situation to have.
The debate in the mainstream press has been a ~ example of British hypocrisy...
His first two goals were ~ cases of being in the right place at the right time.
= typical
ADJ: usu ADJ n
•
Classic is also a noun.
It was a ~ of interrogation: first the bully, then the kind one who offers sympathy.
N-COUNT: oft N of n
2.
A ~ film, piece of writing, or piece of music is of very high quality and has become a standard against which similar things are judged.
...the ~ children’s film Huckleberry Finn.
...a ~ study of the American penal system.
ADJ: ADJ n
•
Classic is also a noun.
The record won a gold award and remains one of the ~s of modern popular music.
...a film ~.
N-COUNT: usu with supp
3.
A ~ is a book which is well-known and considered to be of a high literary standard. You can refer to such books generally as the ~s.
As I grow older, I like to reread the ~s regularly.
N-COUNT
4.
Classic style is simple and traditional and is not affected by changes in fashion.
Wear ~ clothes which feel good and look good...
These are ~ designs which will fit in well anywhere.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
5.
Classics is the study of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, especially their languages, literature, and philosophy.
...a Classics degree.
N-UNCOUNT