Classic vs Classical
Difference between Classic and Classical is not paid much attention to as classic and classical are two words that are often confused to be the same due to the appearing similarity between them. However, there is some difference between the two words, classic and classical, in terms of their meanings and connotations. The word classic is used in the sense of ‘typical’. On the other hand, the word ‘classical’ is used in the sense of ‘traditional’. This is the main difference between the two words. This article will present to you the descriptions of the definitions of the two words with examples, which will clearly elaborate the difference between classic and classical.
What does Classic mean?
The word classic is used in the sense of typical. Observe the two sentences given below:
He cited a classic example.
The batsman played a classic shot.
In both the sentences, the word classic is used in the sense of ‘typical’ and hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘he cited a typical example’, and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘the batsman played a typical shot’.
It is interesting to note that the word classic is also used in the sense of ‘old, recognized texts in any literature’ as in the expression ‘English classics’. This is the definition we would give for the classics. However, the Oxford English dictionary gives a much complete definition to this term as follows. A classic is “a work of art of recognized and established value.” If you pay attention to books such as Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice, you will see that all of these books have the qualities mentioned in the definition. Look at the sentence given below.
He reads classics more often.
In this sentence, the word classic is used in the sense of ‘old, recognized text’ and hence, the meaning of the sentence would be ‘he reads old, recognized texts more often’.
What does Classical mean?
The word classical is used in the sense of traditional. Observe the two sentences given below:
Classical music has to be appreciated.
He sings in the classical style.
In both the sentences, you can find that the word classical is used in the sense of ‘traditional’ and hence, the meaning of the first sentence would be ‘traditional music has to be appreciated,’ and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘he sings in the traditional style’.
While a classic is a work of art that has a recognized and established value, the word ‘classical period’ refers to the period during which many classics were written. This is opposed to the modern period in any literature for that matter.
What is the difference between Classic and Classical?
• The word classic is used in the sense of ‘typical’.
• On the other hand, the word ‘classical’ is used in the sense of ‘traditional’. This is the main difference between the two words.
• Classic is also used to talk about a work of art that has a recognized and established value.
• The word ‘classical period’ refers to the period during which many classics were written.
These are the differences between the two words, namely, classic and classical.