high-class
/'hai'klɑ:s/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: - Of superior quality or status; elegant and expensive: Used to describe something that is considered luxurious, exclusive, or of the highest social or quality standard. It often implies sophistication and a level of prestige.
Usage and Examples
Describing establishments or services:
- They stayed at a high-class hotel with impeccable service.
- The city is known for its high-class boutiques and art galleries.
Describing people or social groups (often used with a hint of pretense or irony):
- She moves in very high-class circles.
- He has high-class tastes in wine and food.
Advanced Usage and Nuance
- The term can sometimes carry a slightly pretentious or ironic connotation, suggesting that the elegance or status is exaggerated or put on for show, rather than being genuine or understated.
- The party had a high-class veneer, but the conversation was quite dull.
Variants and Related Words
- First-class (adj): Of the highest standard, often used for travel or service.
- We traveled first-class on the flight.
- Top-tier (adj): Belonging to the highest level or rank.
- She is a top-tier executive.
- Upscale (adj): Relatively expensive and designed to appeal to affluent consumers.
- An upscale neighborhood.
Synonyms
- Luxurious: Extremely comfortable, elegant, or enjoyable, especially when involving great expense.
- Exclusive: Restricted to a particular group or area of activity, often implying high status.
- Elegant: Pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.
- Sophisticated: Having, revealing, or proceeding from a great deal of worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture.
Antonyms
- Low-class: Of a low social or quality standard.
- Commonplace: Not unusual; ordinary.
- Inexpensive: Not costing a great deal; cheap.
Idioms and Phrases
- High-class problem: A problem that is considered trivial or a sign of privilege, often because it arises from having many good options or a luxurious situation.
- Choosing between two dream job offers is a high-class problem to have.
Adjective
- pretentiously elegant
- a high-toned restaurant