Confusable pair · B2
Classic or classical?
Classic means outstanding of its kind, or typical of it: a classic mistake, a classic film. Classical refers to ancient Greece and Rome, or to the European art-music tradition: classical architecture, classical music. A classic novel is a great one; a classical novel would be by Homer.
Which word, and why
- classic
outstanding of its kind, or absolutely typical
Of recognised and lasting quality, or a perfect example of something.
a classic film · a classic mistake · a classic case of
- classical
of ancient Greece and Rome, or of European art music
Relating to classical antiquity, or to the formal European musical tradition.
classical music · classical architecture · classical Greek
Now use it
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Trying to fix it yourself is a mistake.