Etymology Map
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Classic

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means judged over time to be of the highest quality

Where does the word "classic" come from? It comes from Latin classicus, passing through French before entering English (1610s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
classicus
Latin · ancient
"of the first class"
from 'classis', a class of Roman citizens
2
Stage 2 of 3
classique
French · 1500s
"classic"
Aulus Gellius used 'classicus' for a first-rank writer, like a first-class citizen
3
Stage 3 of 3
classic
English · 1610s
"first-rate"
'classic' cars date from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Classic’s story begins in Latin: classicus meant “of the first class.” From 'classis', a class of Roman citizens. By 1500s, the word had taken hold in French as classique. Aulus Gellius used 'classicus' for a first-rank writer, like a first-class citizen. It reached English by 1610s as classic. 'classic' cars date from the 1900s. Today, classic means judged over time to be of the highest quality.