class
class — verb
1. to place someone or something into a particular category based on shared charact
to place someone or something into a particular category based on shared characteristics or features
Biologist Anjali classed the newly discovered insect as a type of grasshopper.
class + object + as + complement (classification)
Most public libraries class cookbooks and gardening guides under the same section.
The immigration officer classed the passenger's visa documents as suspicious forgeries.
class + object + as + adjective/noun (evaluation)
This rare bird species is classed among the most endangered in South America.
passive: be classed among [group]
Classing a film as a documentary requires checking its factual accuracy first.
gerund subject: classing + object + as + complement
- class as
- class among
- class under
- class with
- class something as something
- classify
more common and general; 'classify' can imply a formal system, while 'class' often suggests a simpler or quicker grouping
- categorize
emphasises placing into named categories, often used in academic or organisational contexts
- rank
implies an order or hierarchy rather than a simple grouping
- mix
to put different types together without grouping them separately
Grammar Patterns
class + object + as + noun/adjective phrase
class + object + among + noun phrase
passive: be + classed + as/among + group
Usage Note
Commonly paired with 'as', 'among', or 'under' to specify which category something belongs to. The passive form ('is classed as') is very frequent in academic and professional writing.
Common Mistakes
class — noun
1. Children or young people who regularly study together in the same lessons with t
Children or young people who regularly study together in the same lessons with the same teacher at a school.
Mrs. Chen's English class at Zhongshan Junior High has twenty-eight students.
collocation: English class / math class / history class
The whole class stood up when the principal walked into the room.
Kabir is the tallest student in his class this year.
After lunch, the class splits into smaller teams for a reading activity.
pattern: the whole class / the rest of the class / half the class
Lucía's class will visit the science museum on a field trip next Friday.
- English class
- history class
- whole class
- the rest of the class
- a class of [number] students
Grammar Patterns
the + class + singular/plural verb
as a form of address: Good morning, class!
Usage Note
A teacher can address the group by saying "Good morning, class!" but a student would not call the group this way. In British English, class can take either a singular or a plural verb ("the class is" / "the class are").
Common Mistakes
2. A scheduled block of time when learners receive teaching on a particular subject
A scheduled block of time when learners receive teaching on a particular subject from a teacher.
History class starts at nine o'clock every Monday morning.
collocation: class starts / class ends / class begins
Théo fell asleep during science class because he stayed up too late.
The teacher asked the students not to eat snacks in class.
pattern: in class (meaning during the lesson period)
Benjamin always takes careful notes in maths class.
After class, a few students stayed behind to ask the teacher questions.
pattern: after class / before class
- in class
- during class
- after class
- before class
- class starts
- class ends
- skip class
Grammar Patterns
in class (during the lesson)
after class
before class
[subject] + class
Common Mistakes
3. A scheduled session where a group of people do physical activities together, usu
A scheduled session where a group of people do physical activities together, usually led by an instructor.
Lara goes to a yoga class at the community centre every Tuesday evening.
collocation: yoga class / dance class / fitness class
The spin class was so tiring that Cole's legs hurt the next morning.
Xiu signed up for a beginner's swimming class at the public pool.
The aerobics class meets in the gym at six o'clock in the morning.
Rania enjoys her Zumba class because the music makes exercise feel like fun.
- yoga class
- dance class
- fitness class
- swimming class
- exercise class
Grammar Patterns
[type of exercise] + class
a class in [activity]
Usage Note
The type of exercise always comes before 'class' (yoga class, not class of yoga). This sense is very common in gym and fitness centre contexts.
4. Every learner who graduates and departs from a school or university during a par
Every learner who graduates and departs from a school or university during a particular calendar year.
The class of 2024 held their graduation ceremony in the school gym.
collocation: the class of [year]
Every year, the senior class votes on the design of the yearbook cover.
Tuan was chosen to give a speech at his class graduation dinner.
Fifty years later, the class of 1974 still meets for a reunion every summer.
pattern: class reunion / class of [year]
Nila's older sister was the top student in her graduating class.
- class of [year]
- graduating class
- senior class
- class reunion
- class president
- cohort
more formal and academic in tone
- year group
common in British schools
Grammar Patterns
the class of [year]
Usage Note
Usually used with 'the' or a possessive determiner (the class of 2024, our class). Often capitalized when referring to a specific graduating year, especially in American schools.
5. A broad category within a society whose members have roughly the same amount of
A broad category within a society whose members have roughly the same amount of money, kind of work, and social standing.
The gap between the upper class and the working class has widened in recent years.
collocation: upper class / middle class / working class
Folake's research examines how social class affects children's chances in education.
In the nineteenth century, a person's class often decided what job they could get.
Christopher grew up in a middle-class family in a small town near the coast.
collocation: middle-class family / background / upbringing
Mathieu's parents worked hard to move from the working class to the middle class.
- working class
- middle class
- upper class
- social class
- class system
- class division
- class structure
- social stratum
more formal and academic
- rank
broader, not limited to economic position
- status
focuses on social standing rather than group identity
Grammar Patterns
the [adjective] class (e.g. the working class)
[adjective]-class family / background
Usage Note
Often combined with 'upper', 'middle', or 'working' to specify a particular social group. As an uncountable noun it refers to the system of social division itself ('class is still an issue in many countries').
Common Mistakes
6. One of several levels that products, services, or seats are divided into accordi
One of several levels that products, services, or seats are divided into according to their quality, comfort, or price.
Tanvi booked a business-class seat for her flight to Tokyo.
collocation: first class / business class / economy class
This hotel offers first-class service with a swimming pool and free breakfast.
collocation: first-class service / accommodation / facilities
The airline upgraded Haruto to a higher class at no extra charge.
Second-class tickets are cheaper but the seats are a lot less comfortable.
Passengers in first class received hot meals and drinks during the overnight flight.
- first class
- business class
- economy class
- second class
- tourist class
- premium class
Grammar Patterns
[ordinal] + class (first class, second class)
[adjective] + class (business class, economy class)
Usage Note
Often appears in compound nouns formed with an adjective followed by 'class', especially in travel (first class, business class, economy class). When used before a noun, the compound is usually hyphenated: 'a first-class ticket.'
Common Mistakes
7. a category such as first class or upper second that British universities grant t
a category such as first class or upper second that British universities grant to reflect a student's overall exam performance in their degree programme.
Astrid graduated with a first-class degree in chemistry from the University of Manchester.
first-class / upper second / lower second: specific degree classes
A lower-second class degree may still be enough to enter some graduate training programmes.
The university requires at least an upper-second class to apply for the master's programme.
Employers in the UK often ask which class of degree job applicants received.
common collocation: 'class of degree'
- first-class degree
- upper-second class
- lower-second class
- third-class degree
- class of degree
Usage Note
Only used in the British university system. Degree classes are: first class (best), upper second (2:1), lower second (2:2), and third class.
Common Mistakes
8. under UK law, a ranking system (class A, B, or C) used to group banned substance
under UK law, a ranking system (class A, B, or C) used to group banned substances by their perceived risk level, where higher-ranked classes carry stricter legal punishments.
Heroin and cocaine are both class A drugs in the United Kingdom.
class A / class B / class C: specific drug categories
Possession of a class B drug can lead to five years in prison.
collocation: 'possession of a class [letter] drug'
The court lowered the charge after the drug moved from class A to class B.
British police officers receive training on how to identify different class drugs during arrests.
- class A drug
- class B drug
- class C drug
- reclassified as class
Usage Note
This sense is specific to UK law. Other countries use different drug classification systems.
Common Mistakes
9. the condition of being so highly skilled in one specific field that no one else
the condition of being so highly skilled in one specific field that no one else reaches the same standard.
As a jazz pianist, Amihan is in a class of her own.
phrasing: 'in a class of one's own'
The baker's sourdough bread was in a class of its own at the fair.
Among sprinters under twenty, Tamás is in a class of his own this season.
The sushi chef's technique with the knife was in a class of its own.
- in a class of one's own
- in a class of its own
- unmatched
adjective meaning the same but used differently in a sentence
- second to none
idiom with a similar meaning of being the best
- mediocre
of only average quality
Grammar Patterns
be in a class of one's own
Usage Note
Always used in the fixed phrase 'in a class of one's own' (or 'its own' for things). The possessive pronoun matches the subject.
Common Mistakes
10. the characteristic of being so excellent in quality that no item of the same typ
the characteristic of being so excellent in quality that no item of the same type reaches the same level.
The restaurant's wine list is in a class of its own.
phrase: 'in a class of its own' for things/places
For handmade leather goods, the workshop in Florence is in a class of its own.
The view from the mountaintop hotel was in a class of its own.
The orchestra's performance of the symphony was in a class of its own that evening.
- in a class of its own
- unrivalled
adjective with the same meaning of having no equal
- peerless
formal adjective meaning having no equal
- ordinary
not special or remarkable
Grammar Patterns
be in a class of its own
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 9: sense 10 is used for things, products, or experiences rather than people's skills at an activity.
11. the condition of being so far ahead of everyone else in the same team, class, or
the condition of being so far ahead of everyone else in the same team, class, or field that no other member operates at the same level.
In coding, Ilan is in a different class from the rest of the team.
pattern: 'in a different class from [group]'
The private school's maths students are in a different class from state school students.
Zola's understanding of ancient history puts her in a different class from her classmates.
pattern: 'puts [someone] in a different class from'
Selim's spoken French is in a different class from what the other beginners can manage.
- in a different class from
- puts someone in a different class
- a cut above
informal idiom meaning slightly better than
- head and shoulders above
idiom meaning clearly better than
- on a par with
at the same level as
Grammar Patterns
be in a different class from [group]
Usage Note
Followed by 'from' + the group being compared. Can also use 'puts [someone] in a different class from' as a variant.
Common Mistakes
12. the quality of being noticeably more skilful, gifted, or appealing than one spec
the quality of being noticeably more skilful, gifted, or appealing than one specific other person when the two are directly compared.
As a tennis player, Gabriela is in a different class from her older sister.
pattern: 'in a different class from [individual]'
At the cooking competition, Yael was in a different class from her training partner.
pattern: 'in a different class from [individual]' — direct one-on-one comparison
The young chef's desserts are in a different class from anything her mentor ever made.
Anthony's singing voice is in a different class from the lead singer of that band.
- in a different class from
- puts someone in a different class
- head and shoulders above
idiomatic expression with a similar comparative meaning
- streets ahead
British informal idiom meaning far better than
- no match for
not as good as someone
Grammar Patterns
be in a different class from [person]
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 11: sense 12 compares one individual to another specific person (rather than to a group) and can include attractiveness, not just skill.
13. a quality of elegance and refined sophistication in a person's appearance, behav
a quality of elegance and refined sophistication in a person's appearance, behaviour, or creations that makes them impressive without being showy.
Beatriz wore a simple black dress, but her natural poise gave the outfit real class.
collocation: have class / show class — used as an uncountable noun for elegance
The way Otis handled the angry customer — with patience and a smile — showed real class.
Expensive jewellery can be beautiful, but it takes more than money to have class.
The old hotel has a timeless class that the new chain hotels simply cannot match.
collocation: timeless class — describing enduring elegance of things
- have class
- show class
- real class
- timeless class
- natural class
- classy
- elegance
more formal; focuses on graceful appearance rather than overall quality of character
- sophistication
emphasises worldly knowledge and refined taste rather than natural grace
- grace
focuses on polite, considerate behaviour rather than visual style
- vulgarity
loud, showy, or crude behaviour — the opposite of refined elegance
Grammar Patterns
have class
show class
with class
Usage Note
Uncountable — do not use with 'a' or in the plural. Frequently used in the phrase 'to have class' or paired with adjectives like 'real', 'timeless', 'natural'. This sense is about personal or aesthetic quality, not about social rank (sense 5) or quality tiers (sense 6).
Common Mistakes
14. one of the major groups in the scientific classification of living things, posit
one of the major groups in the scientific classification of living things, positioned below a phylum or division and above an order — for example, mammals (Class Mammalia) or birds (Class Aves).
Mammals belong to the class Mammalia, which includes whales, bats, and humans.
pattern: belong to the class [Latin name]
Birds are grouped into the class Aves, sharing feathers, beaks, and hollow bones.
The botany professor explained that roses and strawberries belong to the same plant class.
Sora learned that frogs and salamanders both belong to the class Amphibia.
pattern: the class [Latin name]
Taxonomists sometimes disagree about whether a new species should form a separate class.
- class Mammalia
- class Aves
- class Amphibia
- class Reptilia
- belong to a class
- form a class
- taxonomic rank
broader term — covers all levels of the biological hierarchy, not just class
- group
non-scientific; any collection, without the precise hierarchical meaning
Grammar Patterns
class + [scientific name]
belong to + the + class + [name]
Usage Note
Capitalised when used with the Latin scientific name ("Class Mammalia"). The classification hierarchy from broadest to most specific is: kingdom → phylum/division → class → order → family → genus → species. Distinguish from sense 16: this sense is specific to biological taxonomy, not a general category.
Common Mistakes
15. a planned set of teaching sessions that cover one topic across several weeks or
a planned set of teaching sessions that cover one topic across several weeks or months at a school, college, or other learning centre.
Hui signed up for a photography class that meets every Thursday at the community centre.
pattern: [subject] + class
The business English class covers writing emails, giving talks, and doing job interviews.
Anong finished a first-aid class last summer and now feels ready to help in emergencies.
The university offers a creative writing class for beginners starting in September.
pattern: offers a [subject] class for [audience]
Bilal took a cooking class to learn traditional dishes from his home country.
- take a class
- sign up for a class
- offer a class
- teach a class
- class in
- class on
Grammar Patterns
[subject] + class
take/a + class
class in/on [subject]
Usage Note
Often paired with a subject name before 'class' ("a yoga class", "a history class") or with 'on'/'in' after it ("a class in Mandarin", "a class on photography"). Distinguish from sense 2 (LESSON), which refers to a single teaching period — this sense refers to the whole set of sessions over a period of time.
Common Mistakes
16. any collection of living creatures or objects considered together because they s
any collection of living creatures or objects considered together because they share at least one common attribute.
The museum divides its paintings into two classes: works before 1900 and later pieces.
pattern: divide into classes — sorting by shared features
The competition has three classes based on age: under twelve, teenagers, and adults.
Tara's new job falls into the class of positions that require frequent foreign travel.
Ilan's stamp collection includes rare international issues and common local ones across many classes.
collocation: many classes — used for subcategories within a collection
- class of
- class of things
- fall into a class
- divide into classes
- belong to a class
- first class
- second class
Grammar Patterns
class of [things]
belong to a class
fall into a class
divide into classes
Usage Note
This is the most general sense of 'class', covering any grouping by shared attributes. Often followed by 'of' ("a class of vehicles") or paired with prepositions like 'into' ("divide into classes") and 'among' ("among this class of..."). Distinguish from sense 14 (BIOLOGY), which is limited to scientific taxonomy.
Common Mistakes
Educated people who enjoy discussing and sharing opinions about politics and society.
Maya often reads columns written by the chattering classes.
Why do the chattering classes always debate about education reform?
class — adjective
1. used to describe a person, thing, or experience as excellent or of very high qua
used to describe a person, thing, or experience as excellent or of very high quality, especially in informal British conversation.
Jude said the new tapas bar was class and worth the trip across town.
predicative use: be + class
That goal Sari scored in the final was pure class from start to finish.
collocation: pure class
Gabriela wore a class suit to the awards ceremony last night.
attributive use: class + noun
The band put on a class performance that got the whole crowd singing.
Tendai thought the street food market was class and went back twice that week.
- absolute class
- pure class
- class act
- really class
- absolutely class
Grammar Patterns
be + class
class + noun
Usage Note
Chiefly British informal. Most common in predicative position (e.g. 'that film was class') or before a noun (e.g. 'a class act'). Avoid in formal or academic writing. Not used in American English with this meaning.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- classyadjectiveB2
- classicadjectiveB2
- classicnounB2
- classicaladjectiveB2
- classifyverbB2
- classificationnounB2
- classifiedadjectiveB1
- classlessadjectiveC1
- classmatenounA2
- classroomnounA2
- declassifyverbC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/16
'Class', 'type', 'kind', 'sort', and 'category' all refer to groups of things that share a common feature, but they differ in formality and usage. 'Category' (the most formal of the five) is preferred in academic or organisational writing: 'The books are arranged by category on the shelf.' 'Type' and 'kind' are very common in everyday speech and are mostly interchangeable, though 'type' often implies a more clearly defined group: 'What type of music do you like?' sounds more specific than 'What kind of music do you like?' 'Sort' is the most informal and often carries a vaguer meaning, especially in phrases like 'sort of' ('I sort of agree'). 'Class' sits in the middle: it can sound slightly more technical than 'type' or 'kind', and is often used when the grouping follows a deliberate system rather than casual similarity. For example, a biologist would say 'this animal belongs to a different class' (not 'type' or 'kind'), while at a market you would ask 'what kind of apples are these?' In short: use 'class' when the grouping is systematic or hierarchical, 'category' in formal contexts, 'type' or 'kind' in everyday situations, and 'sort' for vaguer, more casual groupings.
Common collocations
Nouns
- system (class system)
- structure (class structure)
- division (class division)
- distinction (class distinction)
- war (class war)
- consciousness (class consciousness)
Adverbs
- clearly classed as
- broadly classed as
- traditionally classed among
- roughly classed under
Phrases
- in a class of one's own
- in a different class from
- a class act
- have class
- show class
- class of [year]
- first class / business class / economy class
Prepositions
- in (in class — lesson sense; in a different class — comparison sense)
- of (class of 2024, class of vehicles, class of its own)
- as (classed as — verb sense)
- among (classed among — verb sense)
- under (classed under — verb sense)
- into (divide into classes — category sense)
- between (class conflict, class between — social rank sense)
Etymology
From Latin 'classis' — a group of Roman citizens called to military service. By the 1600s the word had moved from citizen-division into general use for any group of students in a school. In the 1700s biology adopted it for its ranking system, and Victorian society turned it into a label for social rank from 'upper' to 'lower' class. The verb sense ('to classify') appeared around the same period, and the British informal adjective ('That film was class!') is a 1900s development.