Classic vs. Classical
Some words share the same root word, causing people to misuse them or even interchange
them at times. This is the case with the terms classic and classical, which both originated
from “class” and both refers to quality. Despite having the same roots, these two actually
have different meanings. This post will try to differentiate between them and allow you to use
them properly in your writing.
The word classic is most commonly used as an adjective meaning “judged over a period of
time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind,” “serving as a standard of
excellence,” or “remarkably and instructively typical.”
Mickey Mouse, Other Classic Disney Animated Characters Get Own Hot Wheels Cars
(Exclusive)
Hollywood Reporter
New Zealand cricket fan makes classic one-handed crowd catch to win $50,000 at
T20 International
Wide World of Sports
Twice-told tales: Jo Nesbø, Madeline Miller and others revive classic stories
Washington Post
It may also function as a noun referring to “a work of art of recognized and established
value” or “a school subject that involves the study of ancient Greek and Latin literature,
philosophy, and history.”
Classics of all kinds highlight MSU Riley Center spring/summer series
Mississippi State Newsroom
Heavy Table Says New Nye’s Waters Down a Classic
Eater Twin Cities
Poiret AW18 review: Can you remake a classic?
Financial Times
On the other hand, the term classical is used as an adjective meaning “of or relating to the
ancient Greek and Roman world and especially to its literature, art, architecture, or ideals,”
“relating to the first significant period of an area of study,” or “of or relating to music of the
late 18th and early 19th centuries characterized by an emphasis on balance, clarity, and
moderation”
Brooklyn Rider extends classical music history at Howard Community College
Baltimore Sun
8 Classical Music Concerts to See in NYC This Weekend
New York Times
Classical music meshes with hip-hop in Black Violin concerts
Los Angeles Times
Now that we’ve discussed the differences between classic and classical you should be able to
tell them apart and use them more accurately in your writing. Remember that classic is about
having high quality and standards based on judgement over a period of time while classical
refers to ancient literature, art, architecture or music.