2 syllables: clas, sic. Stress on clas.
KLAS-ik
/ˈklæsɪk/
classic is pronounced KLAS-ik (/ˈklæsɪk/). It has two syllables (clas-sic), with the stress on "clas". Classic refers to something that embodies a lasting, recognized standard of quality or excellence, often revered and timeless. It also describes a representative work that remains influential across generations. In grammar, it can mean traditional, conventional, or exemplary within a particular genre or field.
Classic refers to something that embodies a lasting, recognized standard of quality or excellence, often revered and timeless. It also describes a representative work that remains influential across generations. In grammar, it can mean traditional, conventional, or exemplary within a particular genre or field.
"The Mona Lisa is considered a classic work of art."
"That song is a classic from the 1990s that everyone knows."
"He wore a classic navy suit to the interview."
Say /ˈklæsɪk/. Start with the stressed first syllable 'clas-' where the vowel is the short ‘a’ as in cat, then a quick /ɪ/ in the second syllable and end with /k/. Tip: keep the mouth slightly open for the /æ/ and snap the final /k/. Audio reference: many dictionaries offer /ˈklæsɪk/ as standard US/UK pronunciation.
Common errors: (1) pronouncing it as /ˈklæsɪk/ with a tense, closed mouth for the /æ/ or confusing the second vowel with /ə/; (2) softening the final /k/ to /g/ in some dialects; (3) omitting the first syllable stress and saying /ˈklæsɪk/ or /ˈklæsɪk/ with weak stress. Corrections: emphasize the first syllable with /æ/ as in cat, ensure a crisp /k/ at the end, and avoid turning the /ɪ/ into a schwa; practice by slow repetition then faster.
US/UK/AU share /ˈklæsɪk/, but there are subtle differences: US tends to clearer /æ/ and a slightly more tense final /k/. UK often maintains a crisper final /k/ with slightly shorter /æ/ in some regional accents. Australian typically has a broader /æ/ in some speakers and a more centralized /ɪ/ before /k/. The rhoticity does not affect this word since it ends with /k/. Overall, the nucleus remains a bright /æ/ across these varieties.
The difficulty centers on the short, open-front /æ/ in the first syllable and the abrupt, voiceless /k/ at the end. Many speakers merge the /æ/ toward /a/ or substitute /e/ or /ɪ/. The sequence /æs/ followed by /ɪ/ can trip you up when transitioning from the stressed syllable to the unstressed schwa-like portion in rapid speech. Focus on a crisp /æ/ and a clean, brief /k/ to reduce slurring.
The word hinges on strong initial stress and a short vowel in the first syllable. A unique nuance is keeping the vowel sound clearly distinct from the second syllable’s /ɪ/; many speakers reduce prematurely to /ə/ or /ɪ/. The distinct two-syllable rhythm (/ˈklæ/ then /sɪk/) with a short, punchy ending is key, so ensure the first vowel is bright and not blended with the second.
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Classic comes from the Latin word classicus, meaning ‘belonging to the first class, of the first rank,’ from classicus ‘of the Latin class,’ which referred to the gentlemen of the highest class in ancient Rome. The term appeared in English by the early 16th century to describe works of enduring quality and authority across culture and scholarship. In ancient Rome, classicus described someone of the highest rank from the public list of citizens, and by extension, things that were ‘first in rank’ or ‘of the best kind.’ Over time, the sense shifted from social standing to cultural merit, indicating works that withstand the test of time. By the 18th and 19th centuries, classic gained a broader literary sense—works in a recognized canon or standard against which lesser works are measured. Today, classic often carries both a positive evaluative sense (a classic car) and a qualitative judgment about lasting significance (a classic novel). First known uses cited include early modern English references to classic authors and canonical pieces of art and literature, solidifying its reputation for enduring value across epochs.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "classic" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "classic" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "classic"
-tic sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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