Difference between classic and classical

Classic and classical can both be used to mean standard, typical or the highest class.

• Sneezing and a sore throat are the classic / classical symptoms of measles.
• A classic or a classical car is a car of the highest quality and standard.

Use classical to refer to the ancient Greek or Roman culture and literature.

For example, when you say ‘the classical culture of Greece’, you are referring to ancient Greece. Likewise, a classical beauty is one that has features of ancient Greek or Roman statues.

Classical dance and music also refer to ancient or traditional dance and music.

• India has a rich tradition of classical dance and music.
• Bharatanatyam is a kind of classical dance form originated in Tamil Nadu.