Definition

1. Noun:

   • A class of accommodations on a ship, train, or plane that are less expensive than first class: This refers to a standard of travel service that offers fewer amenities or less space than first class but is typically above the most basic class.
   • Not the highest quality in a classification; not the highest rank in a classification: This describes a status or category that is considered inferior or subordinate to the best or most important.

2. Adverb:

   • By second class conveyance: This describes the manner of traveling using second-class accommodations or services.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We booked second class on the overnight train to save money.
  • He felt he was always treated as a second-class citizen in his own country.
• Adverb:
  • We traveled second class on the ferry across the channel.

Advanced Usage

• "second-class citizen": A person who is systematically discriminated against or given inferior status within a society or organization.
  • The new laws risked making an entire ethnic group feel like second-class citizens.
• "second-class mail": A category of postal service for less urgent items, typically slower than first-class mail.
  • I sent the documents by second-class mail to reduce costs.

Variants and Related Words

• Second-class (adjective): Of or relating to the second class.
  • A second-class ticket.
  • Second-class status.
• Second-rate (adjective): Of inferior quality; not very good. (This is a close synonym but often implies a stronger negative judgment than "second-class".)
  • The hotel was clean but second-rate.

Synonyms

• Noun: Tourist class, economy class, standard class.
• Adjective/Status: Inferior, subordinate, lesser.

Related Phrases

• To relegate someone/something to second class: To assign someone or something to an inferior position or category.
  • The company's focus on digital products has relegated its print division to second class.
• To travel/go second class: To choose second-class accommodations for a journey.
  • On a student budget, I always go second class.

Idioms

• Second-class citizen: (As detailed in Advanced Usage).
• Not be second class to anyone/anything: To be equal to or as good as anyone or anything else.
  • In terms of dedication, she is second class to no one.

Adverb

1. by second class conveyance
   • we traveled second class

Noun

1. a class of accommodations on a ship or train or plane that are less expensive than first class accommodations
2. not the highest quality in a classification
3. not the highest rank in a classification