class
UK: klɑːs | US: klæs
n. a group of students taught together
n. a social rank or system based on economic or educational status
n. a category or division (e.g., in biology)
adj. of high quality or stylishness
The word "class" originates from the Latin classis, meaning "a division or group," particularly used in Roman society to categorize citizens by wealth (e.g., classis prima for the highest rank). Over time, it evolved to denote educational groupings (16th century) and social hierarchies (18th century). The modern sense of "high quality" (e.g., "a class act") emerged in 19th-century slang, reflecting societal admiration for elite status.
She teaches a class of 30 students.
The novel critiques the British class system.
Tigers belong to the mammalian class.
His performance was pure class.
We booked a first-class flight to Tokyo.