postclassical
|post-clas-si-cal|
🇺🇸
/poʊstˈklæsɪkəl/
🇬🇧
/pəʊstˈklæsɪkəl/
after classical
Etymology
'postclassical' is formed in Modern English by the prefix 'post-' (from Latin 'post' meaning 'after') combined with 'classical' (from Latin 'classicus' via French 'classique'), where 'post-' meant 'after' and 'classicus' related to 'of a class or rank (hence traditional or canonical)'.
'post-' (Latin) + 'classical' (from Latin 'classicus' through French 'classique') combined in English to create the compound adjective 'postclassical' (also written 'post-classical'), used in scholarly contexts to denote periods or styles after 'classical'.
Initially a literal compound meaning 'after the classical', it has remained relatively stable and is now specialized to refer to post-classical historical periods or post-Classical artistic/musical styles.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to the historical period following classical antiquity (commonly used for regions and societies after the fall of Rome up through the medieval era; roughly c. 500–1500 CE).
The conference examined postclassical trade routes that linked East Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
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Adjective 2
occurring after the Classical period in arts, literature, or music—used to describe styles or works that follow or react to an established 'Classical' tradition.
Some scholars describe the composer's later works as distinctly postclassical in their harmony and form.
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Last updated: 2025/10/02 09:48