Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/klæs/

Definitions

• 1. A group of people or things with similar characteristics or qualities.
• 2. A category of students who are taught together in a school or university.
• 3. A group of people in society who share similar economic, social, or political status.
• 4. The rank or quality of something, often referring to its level of sophistication or quality.
• 5. A course or group of students taught by a particular teacher at a particular time.

Usage Examples

• "She belongs to a high social class."
• "We will have a new class starting next week in the morning."
• "The students in the class are all well-prepared for the final exams."
• "This car is considered to be of high class and quality."

Etymology

The word "class" originates from the Latin word "classis," which referred to a division of citizens in the Roman Empire, according to their wealth or importance. Over time, the term evolved to describe various social and economic divisions within society, and later extended to include categories in education, types of things, and levels of sophistication.

Synonyms

• Category
• Group
• Type
• Rank
• Tier

Antonyms

• Individual
• Outcast
• Non-classified
• Miscellaneous
• Unranked

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "class" may slightly differ based on regional accents. In British English, it may be pronounced with a clearer vowel sound as /klɑːs/, while in American English, the pronunciation is usually /klæs/ with a flatter "a." Other regional dialects may also influence the subtle differences in the pronunciation.

Historical Usage

The concept of "class" has evolved over time. In the 19th century, it was primarily used to describe the division of society into different groups based on wealth and occupation. In education, it started being used to describe groups of students who were taught together. Today, it is a term widely used to classify social groups, educational groups, and even products based on their qualities or characteristics.

Cultural Nuances

The word "class" carries different connotations depending on the context. In social theory, it often refers to the division of people based on economic status, with different groups having varying levels of power, influence, and resources. In education, a "class" refers to a group of students being taught together, and may be used to distinguish between different levels of learning (e.g., a "first-class" education). In popular culture, the term can be used to denote sophistication, as in "classy," or may refer to a specific style or category, such as "high-class" or "working-class."

More Information

Class as a concept is central to many areas of study, including sociology, education, and economics. It is used to describe both social hierarchies and categories in various systems. The concept has been deeply explored by theorists like Karl Marx, who linked class to economic systems and labor, while also exploring how class divides can affect society's structure. Today, the understanding of "class" is complex, as it intersects with race, gender, and geography to shape individual and collective experiences.