class

A lesson, or a series of lessons, in which people learn a subject.

• My class starts at nine.
• She takes cooking classes on Saturdays.
• Did you miss the history class yesterday?

Similar words: lesson, course

Common phrases: English class, attend a class, after class, a cooking class

A group of students who learn together or finish school or college in the same year.

• Our class has twenty students.
• The teacher asked the whole class to stand.
• She graduated with the class of 2024.

How to use it: the class of + year (The class of 2010 held a reunion.)

Similar words: student group, year group

Common phrases: the whole class, a small class, class of something

A group of people in society with similar amounts of money, education, or types of work.

• They belong to the middle class.
• People from different social classes attended the meeting.
• His books explore class and education.

Similar words: social group, social stratum

Common phrases: working class, middle class, upper class, social class

A group of things or people that share particular features.

• These cars are in the same class.
• The animals were divided into several classes.
• This class of chemicals is used in farming.

How to use it: a class of something (These medicines belong to a new class of drugs.)

Similar words: category, group, type

Common phrases: class of something, a separate class, the same class

The level of quality something has, especially compared with other things of its kind.

• We travelled first class.
• Their service is in a different class.
• These two hotels are of the same class.

Similar words: grade, standard, rank

Common phrases: first class, second class, top class, a different class

An attractive, elegant style or a way of behaving that shows good taste and respect for others.

• That woman has class.
• He showed class by congratulating the winner.
• The new curtains add a touch of class.

Similar words: elegance, style, sophistication

Common phrases: have class, show class, a touch of class

Put someone or something in a particular group because of the features they share with its members.

• They class this as a luxury.
• The building is classed as a historic monument.
• I would class these two plants together.

How to use it: class someone/something as something (The law classes this vehicle as a motorcycle.); class someone/something with someone/something (Critics class her with the best writers of her generation.)

Similar words: classify, categorize, group

Common phrases: class something as something, class something with something

Very good in quality, ability, or behaviour.

• She is a class player.
• The singer proved he was a class act.
• Their coach is a class individual who respects every opponent.

Similar words: excellent, first-rate, outstanding

Opposites: poor

Common phrases: a class act, a class player, a class performer