Definition of Class (meaning 2 of 3 — noun)
Quick Meaning of Class
a level in society that groups people by their wealth or job
Detailed Definition of Class
a social rank or division based on wealth, occupation, or education
How to Pronounce Class
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: Same pronunciation as Sense 1. The 'a' is short like in 'cat'.
Other Meanings of Class
“Class” has 3 distinct meanings in English. You’re viewing meaning #2; here are the other 2:
#1 Class as a noun
students who study together with a teacher
in class
#3 Class as a noun
a category or type of things grouped because they are similar
first class
Origin and Etymology of Class
from Latin 'classis', originally referring to property-based military rankings
How to Use Class in a Sentence
Each example shows “class” in the meaning “a level in society that groups people by…”, with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The middle class has grown significantly in developed countries.”
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“He came from a working-class background but became a successful lawyer.”
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“The upper class attended the charity gala last evening.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Class
Common Synonyms for Class
Smart Synonyms for Class — When to Use Each
- stratum
- when discussing society in academic or technical contexts
- rank
- for military or hierarchical organizational status
Common Collocations with Class
These phrases pair with “class” in everyday English:
- middle class
- working class
- upper class
- class system
- class structure
Common Mistakes When Using Class
Even fluent speakers slip up with “class”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: She is from a high class family.
- ✓ Correct: She comes from a high-class family.
- Why: Use 'comes from' with class background; 'high-class' is hyphenated when used as adjective.
- ✗ Wrong: The class distinctions has disappeared in modern society.
- ✓ Correct: The class distinctions have disappeared in modern society.
- Why: Plural noun 'distinctions' requires plural verb 'have'.
Other Forms of Class
Frequently Asked Questions About Class
What is the meaning of "Class"?
a level in society that groups people by their wealth or job
How do you pronounce "Class"?
The IPA is /klɑːs/. Same pronunciation as Sense 1. The 'a' is short like in 'cat'.
What part of speech is "Class"?
"Class" is a noun at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Class"?
Common synonyms include rank, stratum, tier.
How do you use "Class" in a sentence?
For example: "The middle class has grown significantly in developed countries."