Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Of the highest quality or standard; excellent: Used to describe something that is superior, outstanding, or among the best in its category.
   • Relating to the best or most expensive category of accommodation or service: Often used in the context of travel (e.g., on ships, trains, airplanes) or mail.

Usage

• As an adjective, "first-class" is used before a noun to modify it.
• It can also be used after a linking verb like "be" or "seem."
• It is often hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun.

Examples

• Adjective (Quality):
  • She has a first-class mind and solved the complex problem easily.
  • The restaurant offers first-class service and cuisine.
• Adjective (Travel/Service Category):
  • We booked first-class tickets for the flight.
  • This letter was sent via first-class mail.

Advanced Usage

• "First-class" as an adverb (informal): Meaning "very well" or "excellently."
  • The team performed first-class during the competition.
• "First-class citizen" (computing/sociology): An entity treated as of primary importance, with full rights and privileges.
  • In modern programming, functions are often first-class citizens.

Variants and Related Words

• First-rate (adj): Of the highest quality; excellent. (Synonymous with the quality sense of "first-class.")
• Top-tier (adj): Belonging to the highest level or rank.
• Premier (adj): First in importance, order, or position.

Synonyms

• Excellent
• Superior
• Top-notch
• Premium
• Outstanding

Antonyms

• Second-class
• Inferior
• Poor
• Substandard

Related Phrases

• First-class honours: The highest grade in a British university degree classification.
  • She graduated with first-class honours in Physics.
• Travel first-class: To travel using the best and most expensive seating/service.
  • On his retirement, he decided to travel first-class around the world.

Adjective

1. very good; of the highest quality
   • made an excellent speech
   • the school has excellent teachers
   • a first-class mind